On300 S Zaquan Patterson reacts to Miami analyst DeMarcus Van Dyke’s departure: ‘You can’t go to a school for a coach’

Miami defensive analyst DeMarcus Van Dyke’s departure to become the next cornerbacks coach at Florida International came as a surpise to some, including Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna four-star safety Zaquan Patterson. But it doesn’t change how he feels about the Hurricanes.

Patterson still intends to “for sure” take an official visit to Miami following Van Dyke’s departure. Van Dyke was heavily involved in his recruitment and had developed a close relationship with the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 83 prospect in the 2024 class, but Patterson’s feelings toward the Canes are still warm.

“You can’t go to a school for a coach, because at the end of the day things like this happen,” Patterson said. “You get opportunities to go and coach for other people, and I think it was just a better thing for him. I don’t play into that, because I know he bleeds Miami, so I know it had to be something good for him.”

Patterson said no school or coach has recruited him close to as hard as Miami, although Michigan has given substantial effort. But Miami’s full staff has kept in frequent touch and built a relationship with the four-star.

“What really showed me they have good character is even when they got those new coaches in, they made sure to make that point of contact and build that relationship,” Patterson said. “They know how important it is as well as I know how important it is. That’s why I really like them.

“Of course, DVD, he was my guy. I just found out (Saturday) morning he was going to FIU when somebody asked me about him. That was crazy to me. I never thought he would leave.”

Miami is the overwhelming favorite to land Patterson according to the On300 with an estimated 90.9% chance to land the blue-chip safety. He’s visited Miami twice already this spring and previously said the program “feels like home” on an unofficial visit. CaneSport also entered a prediction into the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine last month favoring the Canes.

CaneSport’s Take

Van Dyke was massively involved in Patterson’s recruitment, but it should be no surprise he still feels warm with Miami after Van Dyke’s departure. It feels like the Canes have locked their sights on Patterson as their safety for the 2024 class and haven’t been able to show him enough attention. Michigan is making a substantial effort as well, but no one has been as relentless in his recruitment as Miami.

Of course, effort hasn’t always equated to commitments. But for now, the Canes are in a great spot with Patterson.

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