Kyle Patterson Sharpens Athleticism on Gridiron, Court

Perry’s Kyle Patterson has shown versatility on the football field.

As a senior, he caught 20 passes for 348 yards and three touchdowns and was key setting an edge for the resurgent Puma run game. Multiple college programs have taken notice, with Washington, Air Force and Alabama sitting as the tight end’s recruiting finalists. That versatility also applies to the sports he plays. The 6-foot-6, 236-pound athlete is also a key contributor on the Perry basketball team under Sam Duane.

“A lot of coaches actually look for it in football, having a basketball background with the lateral movements” Patterson said. “(It helps) stay in shape in the offseason and definitely doing (club basketball) and keeping up with that lateral movement.”

Basketball has helped Patterson’s footwork and conditioning when he takes the football field. When on the basketball court, he plays with a physical mentality that helps him….most of the time.

“I fouled out my first game back with toning down the physial part of it,” Patterson said through a smile. “You definitely need to look at how the refs are calling the game…if they’re letting you play, I definitely think I have an advantage on the post.”

The styles are different in physicality and conditioning. Duane joked that he needs to remind his football players on the roster that there aren’t huddles to catch their breath, but he consistently sees talent and drive in the players that come over from other sports.

“When you get multisport athletes, you get…athletes,” Duane said. 

“Kyle brings a toughness from football that we really need, so I think being multisport, they have to put in the work ethic. They usually have a very good work ethic because they have to balance their time.”

And in their second year together, Duane has seen his forward grow.

“He’s grown leaps and bounds and that’s a credit to Kyle and (Preston Jones) in football,” Duane said. “He’s matured and become one of the leaders on our team.”

The Perry basketball team is currently 15-9 on the season. Patterson will make his football commitment on February 6th.