Zaire Patterson Has All the Measurables, Just Has to Decide He Wants It

Zaire Patterson has all the physical attributes coaches are looking for in an elite-level pass rusher.

However, before he can consistently perform at a high level, the redshirt sophomore and former 4-star recruit just has to decide he wants it, according to position coach Lemanski Hall.

“You look at that dude, and he walks in the room, you’re like, ‘Wow,’” Hall said. “He has the height, weight and all the measurables. But he needs to decide if this is what he wants to do. If he ever decides that and that light goes off, he can be a great player. But I can’t want it more than him. Coach Swinney can’t want it more than him. He has to make a decision that he wants to do it.”

While Patterson was a Top 200 prospect coming out of high school, he was considered a to still be a little raw. In other words, his skills just needed polishing and seeing that he is now entering his third season in the program, Hall is ready to see more.

“I want to know for sure I can count on them in any situation at any position on the field,” Hall said. “I think that’s the big deal. I can’t have mental errors on the practice field and then for these guys to expect on gameday that you’re going to play. That’s not going to happen. If you’re not going to get the job done on the practice yield, you’re not going to play.

“I need Zaire to understand that if you’re going to play for us, you’ve got to do things the right way. You’ve got to know what to do.”