Surprise 2024 Miami football signee named recruit who could play right away

Four-star 2024 safety signee Zaquan Patterson has a chance to challenge for a starting position beginning in spring practice next month. Chris Hummer of 247Sports named Patterson to "The All-Impact Team: College football's 2024 recruits who could play right away."

Patterson is the 92nd overall prospect, sixth safety and 14th signee in Florida in the 2024 class by the 247Sports composite rankings. Patterson is the fourth-highest-ranked signee in the 2024 Miami football class and first among signees not on the defensive line. Patterson is a critical signee in the 2024 Miami class.

After losing starting safeties Kamren Kinchens and James Williams to the 2024 NFL Draft, Miami needed an upgrade in depth and talent at the position for this season. Washington transfer Mishael Powell and Savion Riley from Vanderbilt are the projected starting safeties for Miami ahead of spring football.

Miami also added Arizona safety Isaiah Taylor and Markeith Williams, who started at safety in the Pinstripe Bowl returns. Patterson should surpass them as at least the third safety in the Miami rotation behind Powell and Riley. Hummer discussed the projection for Patterson as a freshman.

"Zaquan Patterson, S, Miami
247Sports rank: No. 63 overall, No. 4 S
Before Miami took a last-minute addition from Washington transfer Mishael Powell, there were pretty good odds of Patterson emerging as a starter in Year 1 given that both of the Hurricanes' 2023 starters entered the 2024 NFL Draft. That seems less likely at this point after Miami's offseason additions, but Patterson still projects to play early and often for the 'Canes at either safety or nickel.

Patterson is a versatile, downhill safety who has shown an excellent ability to cover in 1-on-1 situations. There's a youth movement in Coral Gables right now as Mario Cristobal's elite recruits see the field early and often. Expect much the same for Patterson."

- Chris Hummer, 247Sports

Patterson had 194 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, 12 interceptions, 16 passes defended, seven blocked punts and two blocked field goals in his final three seasons of high school per Max Preps. Andrew Ivins of 247Sports described Patterson at his best when he is playing near the line of scrimmage.

The additions of Powell and Riley will allow Paterson to develop at his own pace. Patterson is versatile in his play at safety and his ability to make an impact on special teams. Mario Cristobal has trusted freshmen performing in his first two seasons as the Miami head coach. That should continue in 2024.

Patterson leads four safeties Miami signed in the 2024 class. Ryan Mack is expected to move to cornerback. Patterson is one of nine blue-chip players Miami signed in the 2024 class on defense. Miami should be exceptionally strong defensively for at least the next three seasons.