2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Mid-American Conference
By Kyle Edmond
Buffalo – Jaret Patterson, Running Back, Junior
Entering his junior campaign, Jaret Patterson is one of the more intriguing prospects in not only the MAC but in college football at the running back position. With two 1,000 yard rushing seasons in as many years, Patterson is poised for a big run in 2020 that could easily put him as one of the biggest sleepers in the 2021 NFL Draft, should he declare.
The 2019 season was a historical one for Patterson as he totaled a program-record 1,799 rushing yards which led the conference and was also fifth in the nation. He was also able to set the school record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 19, leading him to an easy first-team All-MAC selection.
Perhaps the highlight of his season was when he was named the Walter Camp National Player of the Week after setting the single-game rushing record for Buffalo with 298 rushing yards against Bowling Green to close the regular season.
Heading into the 2020 season, Patterson has already been placed on the Doak Walker Award and Maxwell Award watch lists, and rightfully so. His rushing yardage increased by over 700 yards from his freshman campaign and he added five touchdowns as well. Should he make another leap of any kind he could very well lead the nation in multiple rushing categories.