Patten taking his time
Miami (Fla.) Booker T. Washington defensive back Nigel Patten is enjoying the recruiting process, but schools like Kentucky, Miami, Tennessee, Texas Tech, and Utah have impressed the rugged cover corner.
Patten is adamant that he doesn't have any favorites at the moment. He wants to visit a few schools this summer with his coaches and then narrow down the list.
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With that said the previously mentioned schools have started to assert themselves for the 5-foot-8, 168-pound prospect because of the relationships he has built with his primary recruiting coach.
"No one is standing out, but I have to say I'm comfortable with a few coaching staff's at schools like Miami and Texas Tech. Utah has come out of nowhere and Coach [Dennis] Erickson is really on me," remarked Patten.
The other two SEC schools Kentucky and Tennessee are recruiting him very hard and they have his full attention.
When asked if he noticed Kentucky has the No. 1 recruiting class in the Rivals.com Team Rankings?
"Yes I noticed it. Coach [Mark] Stoops is building something up there. He is turning things around. I've known him from his time at FSU, so I'm keeping my eye on them," stated Patten.
The Vols are still pushing behind the efforts of Coach [Willie] Martinez. Patten wants to get to Knoxville this summer for an unofficial visit. If he doesn't he will go in the fall.
"I don't have all of my official visits set, but I know I want to take one to Tennessee for sure," noted Patten.
One of his teammates Lamar Parker committed to West Virginia yesterday.
Will that effect Patten's recruitment?
"No it won't. Lamar, Chad [Thomas], and Treon [Harris] have talked about playing together, but I have to do what's best for me like Lamar did for himself," responded Patten.
Patten doesn't have a time frame on when he will announce. Distance will not play a factor in his decision.