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Today we have one of Purdue's best offensive, making him a critical part of the team's success going into 2016. The fact that he is playing out of position makes what he does even more critical.
Martesse Patterson - So. (RS)
Columbus, OH (Marion-Franklin HS)
6'3", 340 pounds
Offensive Line
2016 Projection: Starter on the offensive line
I trust The Legend of Shawn Macarthy when he calls Patterson one of our most talented linemen. Last season as a redshirt freshman he played extensively as a part time starter and top reserve at a number of positions on the line. The problem for Purdue is that it needs him on the field, but already has two solid seniors at his more suited position. Jordan Roos and Jason king have both guard spots locked down, and Patterson is playing at tackle as a result. The downside is that most tackles in the Big Ten are in the 6'6" to 6'8" range in height. Patterson is at 6'3".
That could be a detriment in the passing game regardless of if he plays on the left or the right side. Simply put, Purdue needs to hope Jalen Neal can start immediately out of junior college at left tackle to have its best line. Patterson is much better on the right side in the playaction and in the run game, but having him on the left side could be very bad. With Cameron Cermin's health up in the air Patterson is going to play a lot this year. It is just a question of where.