2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Scott Patchan, DE, Colorado State
- Name: Scott Patchan
- Height: 6’6”
- Weight: 265 lbs
- Position: DE
- College: Colorado State University
- Twitter: @scott_patchan
- Instagram: @scott_patchan
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I graduated with a degree in Criminology at the University of Miami with a minor in Sports Administration. Here at Colorado State I am pursuing a Masters in Sports Administration.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say that I am a smart player and that I’m very thorough. I’m very passionate about my preparation whether I am picking up on tendencies in the film room or putting in work in the weight room.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as a player that leads by example. Although, I have had to step into more of a vocal role here at CSU and try and instruct younger players to do better when necessary. I’ve always had a role on special teams whether that’s being the shield on the punt or on punt or FG blocks. The only thing I haven’t done is run down on kickoffs.
As far as scheme, I think a 4-3 front fits me best. I’m not opposed to playing an OLB in a 3-4 front. I was 240-245 lbs in my early days at Miami playing in multiple sets. Here, I’ve played a 3-tech, 4i, outside wide 9 and anywhere in between.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I faced a lot of great talent in my time for the Miami Hurricanes. Jon Dietzen of Wisconsin was one of the best guys that I ever faced. He was very athletic for his size and really used his hands well. AJ Dillon was a freak of nature at Boston College. Their running game fit him very well. Here in the Mountain West, one of the best linemen that I’ve faced is Fresno State tackle Syrus Tuitele.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Trey McBride is our tight end here at CSU. He’s a big physical guy that can do it all. He’s a future NFL player for sure.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I’ve had 2 knee surgeries, one my senior year of high school and the other was a revision my first year at Miami. There was some concern that it would set me back in my development and just my natural growth. I wasn’t going to give up on my dream of playing football. I ultimately healed up and eventually got some playing time at Miami. I earned a starting role and was even named a game captain.
After graduating at Miami, I felt that it was time for me to move on. I wasn’t getting the amount of reps that I felt like I had deserved. I wanted to go into a place where I could get into my comfort zone. I had a lot of offers on the table as a transfer and could have gone to many schools in the ACC or SEC in order to maybe have that “revenge” game, but that wasn’t very important to me. I wanted to be part of a team that was fully committed to my development, and I wanted to have complete trust with my coaches. Colorado State gave me the opportunity to come in and compete, giving me at least 60 snaps a game.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I participated in track and basketball throughout middle school and high school. If I had to choose, I would probably say track. I was a tall skinny kid who could run.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Being one of the top guys in sacks per game, and putting myself on people’s radar is something that I’m proud of. Also, coming back from injury, starting, being a captain, and playing against some of the best competition in this sport is something that I can hang my hat on.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My redshirt freshman year, I was just cleared from surgery, and we were set to face our rival Florida State. I had a clean beat on the tackle with an inside cross chop and got a hit on the QB. It was on my former high school teammate Deandre Francois. That was a great game in that it was my first college playing time.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
One of my favorite players ever has been JJ Watt. He consistently makes plays. Additionally, with all his accomplishments on the field, he’s done excellent work in the community. He’s one of the most respected athletes in the world.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Some of my favorite artists include Lil Wayne, Eminem, and Juice Wrld.
What is your favorite comfort food?
I gotta go with Longhorn Steakhouse and their sirloin steak with a firecracker chicken wrap appetizer
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite TV show is South Park. My favorite actor is Leonardo DiCaprio. One of his movies that I like is The Wolf of Wall Street.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
If I’m not working out, I like to play video games in my spare time like Call of Duty and War Zone. One of my special talents is that I can juggle.
Who or what motivates you the most?
Family. Specifically my dad. My father Matt Patchan Sr played for some championship teams at Miami back in the 80s and had been drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. His career was cut short due to cancer and he’s now in a wheelchair. His smile brightens my day, and if he can stay positive through his adversity, then I can do the same.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.