Highly-recruited tight end Jeremy Patton has signed his national intent of letter with Arkansas.
Patton, 6-6, 250, 4.59, of Arizona Western College signed with the Razorbacks over around 27 other offers from Alabama, Southern Cal, Auburn, Oklahoma State, Arizona, Arizona State and others. ESPN rates him the No. 1 tight end and the No. 33 overall prospect in junior college.
Coach Bret Bielema's history of putting tight ends in the NFL helped the Hogs land Patton.
“It is a great fit for Jeremy because Arkansas and Coach Bielema use the tight ends a lot and have been very successful in sending his tight ends on to the NFL,” Arizona Western College Coach Tom Minnick said. “I think that Jeremy will be another in that line and if he gets bigger and stronger then he will have a very good chance to play in the NFL and succeed.”
Patton and his family officially visited Arkansas in June and he pledged to the Hogs before leaving Fayetteville. He also visited Louisville, Auburn, Southern Cal and Utah. Minnick said Patton has a high football IQ.
“He is extremely smart,” Minnick said. “Not only does he known his position, but he knows what everybody else is supposed to be doing as well. That will continue as he gets to Arkansas.”
He had 18 receptions for 237 yards and 6 touchdowns this season. Patton was recruited to take senior tight end Jeremy Sprinkle's roster spot next year.
“He is a every down tight end and I think that is one reason Arkansas loves him so much,” Minnick said. “He is a great, great blocker, runs great routes and is a match-up nightmare. Just a complete football player.”