Recruiting is growing for 2012 NC lineman
Colleges are taking notice of 2012 offensive guard J.J. Patterson. The Roanoke Rapids, N.C. lineman is getting looks from schools across the country already.
"I've got a few of the in-state schools, East Carolina, Duke, NC State and North Carolina to name a few," he said. "I got some letters from out-of-state too, Clemson, UCLA, Stanford, Nebraska and Georgia Tech."
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Already this season, Patterson has been to a few schools.
"I went to North Carolina for the Georgia Tech game," he said. "I also went to NC State for a practice and East Carolina this past summer for camp."
How was the recent visit to Chapel Hill?
"It was pretty good," he said. "I've been there before because of Kareem Martin. He showed me around a bit and we're pretty close. He tells me some stuff about the school."
The Tar Heels have at least some edge early for the lineman.
"As far as colleges, I've always liked North Carolina," he said. "I'm pretty even for all the schools and I'm learning about them.
"I've always liked North Carolina. My family has always been a fan of Carolina and a couple of my family have gone there."
A versatile prospect that plays both ways for Roanoke Rapids, Patterson earned all-conference as a sophomore last season.
"I play offensive tackle and defensive tackle," he said. "Some schools like me for defense, others for offense. I really don't care. I like both evenly."
So, what stands out about Patterson on the field?
"I think what stands out about me is that I'm big and kind of quick, but I'm not a fat guy," he said. "I can move and that's important."