CFB analyst projects 4-star S Zaquan Patterson Miami football commitment

Adam Gorney the Rivals.com National Recruiting Director predicted on Thursday that four-star safety Zaquan Patterson will commit to the Miami football program. A report from On3 earlier this week projected that Miami has extended its lead for Patterson with a 90.9 percent chance for a commitment.

Safety is a position of need for the Miami football program. Miami lost eight defensive backs after the 2022 season. Starters Kam Kinchens and James Williams are entering their junior seasons and will be eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft. Linebacker Kam Spencer who signed with Miami in the 2023 class is expected to move to safety.

Spencer is the only projected safety in the 2023 class. Rivals ranks Patterson as the 26th prospect, the seventh player in Florida and the third safety in the 2024 class. Miami currently only has a commitment from kicker Abram Murray for 2024. Rivals list Patterson as having high interest in Miami with others school as medium.

Another development to watch for with Patterson and Miami is that the Hurricanes are leading for five-star wide receiver Joshisa “JoJo” Trader who are teammates at Chaminde-Madonna. Both players would be foundational for the 2024 Miami recruiting class. The secondary should be a priority in 2024.

"“Miami could get a haul from powerhouse Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade Madonna. Five-star receiver Joshisa Trader has the Hurricanes high on his list and they could be the team to beat, and it definitely looks like The U leads for Patterson as well.Florida State has made a push with Ohio State, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and others, but the four-star who could play all over the field is leaning toward staying home.”Prediction: Miami"

Fourth-year sophomore Brian Balom and redshirt freshman Markeith Williams are the only other safeties on the Miami roster. Redshirt freshman defensive back Jaden Harris who is primarily a nickel has also received reps at safety this spring. Patterson could have a chance to start for Miami as a true freshman in 2024.

The 2024 depth chart for Miami will depend on decisions by Kinchens and James Williams. Miami could potentially seek a safety through the transfer portal this spring to add depth or any impact player at the position in 2024. The Hurricanes need to build safety depth on the roster for 2023 and beyond.