Jacques Patrick to FSU: Seminoles Land 4-Star RB Prospect

Florida State bolstered its backfield in a big way Monday by landing running back prospect Jacques Patrick out of Timber Creek High School in Orlando, Florida.   

Josh Newberg of 247Sports reported the news:

Patrick is rated as a 4-star prospect and ranks as the 39th-best overall recruit and the No. 3 player at his position in the class of 2015, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. Already listed at 6'1.5" and 230 pounds with 4.51 speed in the 40-yard dash, it's not hard to see why Patrick is thought of so highly.

As a sophomore and junior, the bruising back used his unique combination of size and speed to rumble for consecutive 2,000-yard rushing seasons, scoring 59 touchdowns on the ground in that span. ESPN.com's scouting report (subscription required) has this to say about Patrick's skills:

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Strong, sturdy, well-built runner with a lower center of gravity. Has college ready, compact body structure at the position. Shows very good running strength and durability. Has great top-end speed and the ability to switch on a homerun second gear and separate.

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USHSS highlighted Patrick's sensational career statistics a week before he announced his commitment:

All of that suggests Patrick is ready to take on the workload of a featured back at the highest level of college football. The youngster is also already aiming high for what he plans to do at Florida State:

While it's good for a talented prospect like Patrick to convey emboldened ambition, Florida State must be sure to manage his expectations, especially if he isn't beginning atop the depth chart. Living up to Heisman hype is difficult for anyone to do, and being highly recruited doesn't guarantee success.

The blend of more quick-twitch ball-carrier skills and Patrick's imposing physical stature brings to mind former Ohio State star and current San Francisco 49er Carlos Hyde.

As can be seen on the highlight reel, there is enough cutback ability and exceptional field vision to indicate that Patrick has all the tools to be a complete, all-purpose back. Sometimes players who have such a size advantage and can shed tackles with ease such as Patrick tend to run with high pad levels. Pittsburgh Steelers running back LeGarrette Blount, who has a similar skill set, has struggled with that on a constant basis.

Such is not the case with Patrick, as he is able to lower his shoulder and explode into contact even when he's coming out of a cut. Patrick can be a fit in a downhill rushing attack and shows the aptitude to run zone plays, as he's able to read blocks effectively and make quick decisions to get up the field.

Even though Patrick possesses adequate speed to run around most defenders at the high school level, he demonstrates the knack for getting north and south to maximize most of his carries. There isn't much dancing around before he makes his decision, which has to excite his future coaches.

As long as Florida State doesn't burn him out too early and can nurture Patrick to develop at his own rate, he has all the makings of being a college superstar. Patrick has the potential to become a Heisman Trophy candidate, but he must focus on the task ahead of him, learn the Seminoles' more complex offense and be sure his preparation is up to par.

Danger looms if Patrick gets caught up in his gaudy status and myriad scholarship offers. He must buy in 100 percent to the program and pay his dues. Presuming that happens under the capable guidance of his coaching staff, the future is bright for Patrick as he takes his talents to Tallahassee.