The Miami Hurricanes continue to add top-talent to their roster with the latest signee, a 5-star from South Florida.

Zaquan Patterson

Size: 6-foot-1, 198 pounds

Position: Safety

High School: Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Chaminade-Madonna

Recruitment: One of the more highly contested recruiting processes in South Florida, or any place in America, would be the one Patterson is just now finishing up. Ohio State, Michigan, Auburn, and Florida State would be the schools that came the closest to keeping Patterson away from The U.

Strengths: One of the smartest defensive players from the class of 2024, Patterson’s ability to play in the deep secondary, near the line of scrimmage, as a nickel, and even sometimes at cornerback make him a weapon for Miami’s future defenses. He’s going to be a Swiss Army knife for UM defensive coordinator Lance Guidry.

Areas to Improve: At the college level, teams will attack aggressive defensive backs with double moves and strategic formations in an attempt to hit big plays. Patterson will be a playmaker for Miami, but he must be careful not to be too aggressive and get beat over the top, etc.. In short, it’s part of the maturation process of moving up to the college level because it was rare for Patterson to give up down-the-field shots while at Chaminade-Madonna.

From the 2024 Miami Commitments and Evaluations page, here’s what AllHurricanes states about Patterson:

One of the nation’s most versatile defenders, Patterson is a tremendous centerfielder as a free safety, in-the-box safety to slow the run, and he’s capable of being a versatile nickel back that can play against wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends. Natural timing and being a confident player who goes for the big play would be additional aspects of why Patterson excels. An excellent frame and hard work are also why he’s nearly 200 pounds now.

Patterson has an opportunity to come in and play early for the Miami Hurricanes. He’s earned his fifth star and has a chance to be a big-time college football player for the Canes.