Javon Patterson is one of the absolute best offensive guards in the Class of 2015.
Patterson, out of Petal (Miss.) High School, stands 6'4 and weighs in at 305 pounds. As of June, he's rated as a consensus four-star recruit and top-five prospect at his position by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247sports. The 247sports composite ratings, a compilation of data from the four major recruiting services, lists him as the 53rd-best player in America, second-best OG and second-best player from the state of Mississippi.
Patterson is receiving interest from top programs, mostly in the Southeast. He holds scholarship offers from Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, Florida, North Carolina, Southern Miss and Tennessee.
Fans can follow Patterson on Twitter at @JPatterson__8.
There is quite a lot to like about Patterson. The first thing is his college-ready size. A player with college-ready size is valuable to a school because the school does not have to guess if he can add the weight necessary to play at a high level. Patterson is there and does not require any extreme makeover. He also wears his weight well, and is not sloppy like many high school offensive line recruits.
But Patterson is more than just size and potential. He is also very skilled. Patterson is quick out of his stance and gets into the pads of opposing defensive linemen quickly with his hands. He can then roll his hips and drive defenders off their mark.
Patterson is also able to quickly get out of his stance and pull. Despite using him at offensive tackle, his high school elects to pull him often. He is able to turn the corner and find his target quickly, delivering the blow.
Patterson also shows very nice pass protection skills at tackle, and will be just fine using them inside at guard, where the pass protection demands are often easier.