19 Days to Miami football: DE Scott Patchan 2018 Preview

During his tenure with the Miami football program, Scott Patchan has become one of the most versatile players. Patchan signed with the Hurricanes in 2015 as a four-star strongside defensive end from IMG Academy in Sarasota.

Patchan was the 449th ranked player in the Class of 2015, the 22nd ranked player at his position and 63rd ranked player in Florida according to the 247 Sports Composite. He redshirted as a True Freshman in 2015 after being a part of Al Golden’s last signing class with the Miami football program.

Patchan was recruited to Miami by former Hurricanes Tight Ends and Interim Head Coach Larry Scott. After spending the first two years of his career on the Miami football roster as a defensive end Patchan moved to tight end during the 2017 season.

Patchan moved to tight end because the Hurricanes were lacking depth at the position last season. He was moved back to defensive end this Spring.

There has been no indication what the Miami football staff will do with Patchan for 2018 with the tight end depth depleted once again. Michael Irvin II who had been the first string tight end early in training camp is out for four months, the majority of the season, with a torn MCL in his knee.

Like Irvin, Patchan is one of five legacy players on the Miami football roster. Patchan’s father Matt Sr. was on the 1983 and 1987 Miami Hurricanes National Championship teams. Those were the first two Miami teams to earn National titles. Patchan’s brother Matt Jr. played college football at Florida and Boston College.

Patchan made his collegiate debut against Florida State in 2016. He played in five games in 2017. Patchan received his first extensive snaps at tight end against Syracuse last season. He also recorded one tackle in 2017.

Patchan is currently listed second on the depth chart at right defensive end behind third-year starter Joe Jackson. The Miami football roster is extremely deep at defensive end. In addition to Patchan and Joe Jackson, the Hurricanes have Senior Demetrius Jackson, Sophomore Jonathan Garvin and Freshman Greg Rousseau.

Miami football Director of Player Development for the Defense Joel Rodriguez told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that the Hurricanes expect to rotate five to six defensive ends. The evolution of up-tempo offenses in college football necessitates this. Rodriguez spoke about what is expected from Patchan in 2018.

"“He has some tools, some natural pass rush feel, and one thing about Scott that’s similar to D-Jax (Demetrius Jackson) is this: Some guys have to try to be physical. With Scott, it comes natural. As long as can stay healthy, he will find himself entrenched in the rotation and will be a guy to give us a lot of quality snaps.”"

The versatility and athleticism that Patchan has shown by being able to play on both sides of the ball could allow Defensive Coordinator Manny Diaz and Defensive Line Coach Jess Simpson to consider Patchan play some snaps at defensive tackle in 2018.

At 6’6 255 pounds Patchan has the length, but would probably need to put on some weight to play inside. If it’s just for a few snaps per game they might consider it.

Miami is short on depth at defensive tackle heading into 2018. Pat Bethel who is a third Hurricanes legacy is the only returning defensive tackle on the Miami roster who played significant snaps in 2017.