Notre Dame Football: Jarrett Patterson makes Rimington Watch List

The sophomore center for Notre Dame football was honored with a spot on the watch list for the most prestigious award at the position.

The Rimington Award is presented to the premier centers in the FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA divisions. It is named after Dave Rimington — former center for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the 1980s. Jarrett Patterson is the most recent Notre Dame football player to make the watch list for the prestigious award.

Patterson has been cited by many outlets as a key player and a wild card in terms of how Notre Dame could finish the 2019 season. He steps into a role previously occupied by Sam Mustipher, who made the list in 2017 and 2018. Mustipher proved to be one of the top centers in the nation both of those years, and is now looking to continue his playing career as a member of the Chicago Bears.

As far as Jarrett Patterson’s chances of winning the award, he’s a bit of a wild card there as well. Part of what got him on the list in the first place is the reputation of Notre Dame’s offensive line as one of the best units in the country for a number of years now. Being the pivot man for that group brings with it a certain spotlight — as well as some pressure — you won’t necessarily get playing for other programs.

With a couple of potential early draft picks playing along side of him, Patterson will have every chance to excel at the position against some of the best defensive front sevens in the country. If both he and the Irish line can be consistently dominant like the unit has been in recent years, the sophomore center will be considered a top contender for the award.

No center for Notre Dame football has ever won the Rimington Award.