Purdue exceeds Pattersons expectations
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Columbus (Ohio) Marion Franklin offensive guard Martesse Patterson started his recruitment late, and this weekend he took his first official visit of the process with the Purdue Boilermakers.
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"It was real good… I love it down there," Patterson said. "It exceeded my expectations from the campus and how the players were hungry and focused."
Being his first official visit Patterson was not entirely sure what to expect, but was interested to see how he fit in with the people around the program.
"I just wanted to see the coaching staff and the players," Patterson said. "They were all great people and really cool."
Patterson was hosted on his official visit by offensive lineman Jason King and linebacker Dezwan Polk-Campbell, who is also a native of Columbus.
"They told me that last year they had a bad year, and this year they are turning it around," Patterson said.
The 6-foot-3, 310-pound Patterson is listed as an offensive guard, but could potentially play defensive tackle in college as well. He talked with both position coaches during his stay in West Lafayette.
"They said there is an opportunity to come in and earn a spot," Patterson said. "I think they are mainly talking about offensive line, but it seemed their defensive line coach loved me too… whatever the team needs me at."
Patterson plans to take additional official visits before making a final decision. Kentucky and Michigan State were two schools he mentioned as possible destinations in January. Purdue, however, has set the bar other schools must meet.
"Right now I really like Purdue, but I haven't seen any other places yet," Patterson said. "Now I just have to go out and visit other schools, see how I like it."
Josh Helmholdt is the Midwest Region football recruiting analyst for Rivals.com. You can click here to follow him on Twitter.
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