'08 FB Class Review: RB

Montario "Tojo" Patterson
Ht: 6'0" Wt: 190
Scout	*** #87 RB, #21 overall in MS
Rivals	*** #40 RB, #18 overall in MS
ESPN	77, #67 RB

Tojo Patterson is a stark departure from the running style we grew accustomed to last year in Dixon and Ducre. While Dixon and Ducre both attack you with their size and power, Patterson's strength is his straight line speed. He'll outrun many defenders if he can get in the open field and has a good burst. As a junior he ran for 1,858 yards and 17 TDs. He broke his leg early in his senior year though causing him to miss the majority of his games. As far as I can tell, Mississippi State was his only offer.

Montario Patterson will start out at RB. Its possible though he could end up at safety or maybe cornerback before all is said and done. A couple of things to note as well: Patterson played against extremely weak 1-A competition in Mississippi. This can lead to one of two things. First, it is always a question if high school players from these lower division can make the transition to far tougher competition at the college level. You just never know. On the flip side, players from these lower division have a tendency to go unnoticed. If you are going to find one of those "diamonds in the rough", it will generally be from one of these small schools.

We'll be hoping for the latter of course. Assuming he has no lingering effects from the leg injury, I like what Patterson can bring to the team. It won't be this year though. I'd expect him to redshirt as playing time will be hard to come by. Besides, he'll probably need time pick up the pass blocking aspect of the position

Position Grade: B-
Running back wasn't a pressing need so getting only one is still plenty. I like that Patterson will bring another dimension to the backfield with his speed. Dixon and Ducre, while good, aren't home run threats. I am uneasy of the broken leg and playing against inferior competition, more so the broken leg. Coming back 100% from that isn't always a guarantee.