Michigan top-100 safety target commits to ACC school

Published Aug. 26, 2023, 1:33 p.m.3-3 minutes 8/26/2023
Ryan Zuke |
Michigan has struck out with another top target in the 2024 recruiting class.
Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna Prep four-star safety Zaquan Patterson made his college decision Saturday afternoon, committing to Miami over other finalists: Michigan, Florida State, Auburn and Ohio State.
The No. 77 overall prospect and No. 3 safety nationally, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, announced his choice on ESPN during halftime of Chaminade-Madonna’s showdown against another top program in Baltimore St. Frances Academy.
Patterson, who is teammates with Michigan 2025 four-star cornerback commit Chris Ewald, visited Ann Arbor multiple times this summer, with the latest coming for the Wolverines’ annual BBQ at the Big House on July 30.
However, the 6-foot, 185-pounder decided to stay closer to home in south Florida. His mother, who was standing next to him during his commitment, reportedly was a pivotal factor in his choice. Patterson is teammates with fellow Miami commit Joshida Trader, a five-star receiver.
“I feel like it is the best opportunity for me,” he said. “I just want to make Miami great again.”
Michigan remains cold on the recruiting trail, picking up just two commitments since mid-July while missing on several key targets. It has dropped from No. 4 to No. 8 in the national rankings and is No. 17 by average commit rating.
Jim Harbaugh’s program has one safety pledge this cycle: Harper Woods four-star Jacob Oden. Although Patterson has publicly announced his commitment, The Michigan Insider’s Brice Marich told MLive earlier this week that his recruitment is far from over, regardless of the school he chose Saturday.
“The interesting thing enough is, even when he commits, he’s planning on coming back to Michigan for the Ohio State game,” Marich said. “Whoever he commits to, I’m almost looking at them as now the leader because he’s gonna take more visits. He’s already said he’s going to go to other schools, including Michigan, so I’m taking his commitment with a grain of salt.”