Kelvin Taylor and Derrick Henry both surpassed Emmitt Smith’s Florida state rushing record last year but there could be a new name at the top of the list before his prep career is over. Jacques Patrick (6-2, 225, Orlando, FL Timber Creek) has already set the rushing record for the Central Florida area and the class of 2015 prospect has high goals for his senior season.
“I broke the record for rushing in the Central Florida area last week,” Patrick said. “I ended up with 5,400 yard rushing after my junior year. I’m like 2,800 yards behind the state rushing record so I’m trying to break that next year. That’s my goal.”
Patrick’s record-breaking junior year has turned him into one of the most highly recruited running backs in the nation. Last weekend he was in Gainesville for an unofficial visit to the University of Florida.
“My visit to Florida went great for the Vanderbilt game,” Patrick said. “I talked to coach (Will) Muschamp when I got there and of course they are having a down year. He explained what was going on with the team. He was joking saying hopefully the Good Lord blesses us and we don’t have any more injuries. That stuff doesn’t happen often so the chances of them having that many injuries again isn’t likely.”
Not only did Patrick talk to Muschamp but he also talked to primary recruiter, running backs coach Brian White.
“Coach Muschamp was telling me they need me at Florida and they could use me on the team right now,” Patrick said. “Coach (Brian) White told me the same thing. I have a close relationship with Coach White. I talk to him all the time. He loves me a lot and shows major interest. He has been pushing hard for me since my freshman year.”
The talented junior running back won’t be able to take the field in college for two years but he’s very focused on watching Florida and understands the root cause of the Gators’ struggles.
“I see the problem with the team and the injuries but that doesn’t bother me,” Patrick said. “I see the rumors that people want coach (Brent) Pease gone. I’ve never really had a relationship with him except for one visit. I’ve never really had a close relationship with him so I’ll just keep watching to see if they have any changes.”
Not only is Florida recruiting Patrick but other instate schools are as well and several out of state schools have caught Patrick’s attention.
“Florida State is pushing really hard for me and Miami is too,” Patrick said. “Auburn, Ohio State and Michigan are also pushing hard for me as far as out of state schools go. I’m just trying to keep in touch with everyone and I liked to announce my decision next September if everything goes as planned.”
Patrick plans to visit Florida for the Florida State game at the end of November.