Bradley Patterson Not Encouraged at UNA?

Bradley Patterson with former Red Bay Coach

So Red Bay's Bradley Patterson was not encouraged to "walk-on" at UNA? Okay, he not only wasn't good enough to win one of a limited number of scholarships, but he wasn't good enough to be encouraged by the UNA coaching staff to give the football team a try? Seems odd. Bradley was well thought of at Red Bay and in fact won accolades.

UNA wouldn't be guilty of a little revisionist history, would it? From a press release earlier this year:

(Bradley) Patterson was named Class 2A Lineman of the Year for a season in which the senior helped Red Bay to a 10-2 record and a No. 5 ranking. Patterson garnered 58 points to nudge American Christian’s Kyle Sappington, who had 54 points. Reeltown’s Kemond Gauntt was third with 44 points. 

Patterson said he was surprised by the honor. “It was shocking,” said Patterson, who had a serious look on his face throughout the ceremony. “I’ve always got a straight face. My teammates did terrific job this year. We were 10-2 and the linebackers and the other defensive linemen did a great job. This is a good way to go out.”

Patterson, who said he hopes to sign with a Mississippi community college to continue his career, said just being invited to the banquet as a finalist “put a smile on my face.” “There were some great guys down here,” he said. “It was just an honor to be down here.” Patterson finished with 87 tackles, including 19 for loss and 9 sacks as the Tigers finished 10-2.

Wonder just which Mississippi community college Patterson had in mind? Wonder who would take Patterson? Lower Slobovia sounds good right about now.

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Pen-N-Sword has the full text of Dr. William Cale's statement concerning Patterson: Link



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