Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Kelson Patterson, OL, Gannon University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Kelson Patterson

What school do you attend?

Gannon University/University of Rhode Island

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

A handful of teams from the CAA mostly. University of Rhode Island, Richmond, University of New Hampshire and James Madison is what it really came down to.

Where did you choose and why?

I chose URI because I had a powerful and instantaneous connection with Darren Rizzi who unfortunately left after our recruiting class signed.

What were your goals for your senior year?

I wanted to harness as many accolades as possible and get as much recognition as I could. Of course I also wanted to win and have a  successful season which we did even though we were not fortunate enough to make the playoffs.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

No scouts have approached me as of yet, but I am confident once they do they will be pleased.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I have always had considerable size and strength, but I have athleticism and good footwork to compliment that.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

I really focus on my first couple steps and their placement and make sure my pad level is as low as it should be. Hand placement is also key.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

My junior year we played against Bloomsburg and they had a defensive end named Larry Webster. He was quick and had a fantastic reach.

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?

I really can’t say. I truly believe I am a more unique offensive lineman and even though all I watch when watching football is the line, I never look at a player and think to myself I am similar. If it helps I have always idolized Jake Long and Joe Thomas.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Leaving URI. The second I found out Darren Rizzi left it immediately took some of the wind out of my sails. From there URI did not fit with me the way I had hoped and I ended up leaving. I stayed focused and got myself back onto a roster at Gannon University and the whole URI experience as difficult as it was, ended up maturing me and making me stronger than ever.

What system fits your style of play the best?

I prefer a fast paced, run style offense because my endurance is very good and I feel that getting back to the line and putting my head down and running the ball can really wear down opponents both mentally and physically.

What is your biggest strength?

I would have to say my passion and hunger. When it comes to football I have had to earn everything and nothing was given. I have all of the intangibles as a round one draft pick, but I expect nothing to be given to me. Nothing I do is for the glory, rather for my love of the sport.

What is your biggest weakness?

Every player has bad plays. It’s what we do the next play or plays that separates a good player from a great one. Sometimes my pride is too strong for me to drop a bad play and it can effect me for a little while after, but it is something I can spot and work on and I truly believe I get better at this aspect every time I hit the field.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I am the ultimate low risk, blue collar offensive lineman that does everything day in and day out to improve my play. My passion is building my body and fine tuning my performance and the fact I am not a headcase off the field only helps.

Growing up, who was your role model?

My dad. Always.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

I have always been a Minnesota Vikings fan and as unfortunate as it is these days my favorite player is or was Adrian Peterson.

What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?

I think my whole leaving URI story applies here too. It was mostly difficult because I feel like I let my family down and that I was in football limbo, but I knew I would be able to play again. My fire was too strong not to play again. Finishing out my eligibility in the fashion I did, I am confident I have regained any respect I may have possibly lost from my family and friends.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

My mom, my dad, and my girlfriend.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

I am not sure how much paid paycheck would be, but every since I was a little kid I told my mom I would buy her that purple Porsche she wanted.