Notre Dame football: Jarrett Patterson back to cap off legendary Irish career
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame football team should be elite along the offensive line, especially with center Jarrett Patterson back for one more go-around,
It has been quite a career for Notre Dame football center Jarrett Patterson. After being drafted as a four-star offensive tackle, Patterson eased into his role as the team’s starting center, and since then, he has become the best in the country.
This past offseason, Patterson had a chance to realize his football dream, as he was projected to be a Day 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, despite his legitimate draft status, Patterson decided pro football could wait and headed back to South Bend for another go-around with the Fighting Irish.
That was sweet news for head coach Marcus Freeman, who will have his entire starting offensive line that started the Fiesta Bowl back. In Patterson, he has the gold standard at the center position and is one of the elite interior offensive linemen in the country, as well as the ultimate leader up front.
Notre Dame football center could bring home the hardware
Patterson is on the Watch List for many awards, including the Rimington and Outland Trophies. However, the biggest piece of hardware that Patterson would like to take home is a national title, something this Notre Dame football program has not done in some time.
Throughout his illustrious career, Patterson has never allowed a sack, and with so many changes in terms of the skill positions this offseason, that kind of stability at center is going to prove to be paramount.
With Notre Dame football once again turning to a new starting quarterback, the center position is crucial, and Patterson is as good as it gets. Notre Dame football is going to be elite along the offensive line in 2022, and when all is said and done, Patterson should improve his draft status enough to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
But first, he has some unfinished business to take care of.