The Hurricanes picked up a major commitment from one of Broward County’s top prospects.
Chaminade-Madonna safety Zaquan Patterson committed to Miami on Saturday, choosing the Hurricanes over offers from Florida State, Auburn and others. He announced his decision live on ESPN at halftime of the Lions’ televised game against Maryland’s St. Frances Academy.
“I feel like I’ll have the biggest impact there,” Patterson said. “I have the best opportunity there. There’s no place like home.”
Patterson, a South Florida Sun Sentinel Super 11 pick, is rated a four-star prospect in 247Sports’ composite rankings. He is listed as the No. 3 safety and No. 77 player in the 2024 class.
The blue-chip safety is the second player from the Chaminade roster to join UM’s 2024 class, joining five-star wide receiver Joshisa “Jojo” Trader.
“Jojo wanted me to play with him all along,” Patterson said. “He talked to me every day about coming to Miami. But I feel like this decision was more based on me. Nobody else had really say-so. This was my decision.”
Patterson has become a star for the Lions. Last year, he had 74 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions. Patterson has also proven to be a weapon on special teams, blocking five punts.
BREAKING: Four-star safety Zaquan Patterson picks the Hurricanes. pic.twitter.com/fSOSxw67Il
— Adam Lichtenstein (@ABLichtenstein) August 26, 2023
Patterson, who had a blocked field goal and a quarterback pressure that contributed to a pick-six in the first half of Saturday’s game, said Miami secondary coach Jahmile Addae played a large role in his recruitment, especially after former UM defensive analyst Demarcus Van Dyke left to take an on-field role at FIU.
“Ever since coach DVD left and went to FIU, coach Addae has stepped up and took the role coach DVD had,” Patterson said. “He made it be known that he really wanted me and wanted to build that relationship.”
Miami has several other safeties committed in the 2024 class: three-star prospects Dylan Day, Ryan Mack and Isaiah Thomas.
The Chaminade safety, who has won a pair of state championships in high school, took two visits to UM this year. Patterson said he still planned on taking other official visits with his mother. He plans on still taking visits to Auburn, FSU and Michigan.
“Wherever she wants to go,” Patterson said.
