The first of what are sure to be numerous individual honors has arrived for Bluffton High School receiver Jermaine Patterson, who Sunday was named to the South Carolina squad for the 2017 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas.
Patterson has been an offensive force for the 5-2 Bobcats during his senior season, racking up 38 receptions for 939 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“I’m just proud of how much Jermaine has grown as a player in a short amount of time,” Bluffton coach John Houpt said. “He is an amazing athlete, and that shows on Friday nights. I’m more proud, though, of how much he has grown as a person.”
Patterson shockingly has been overlooked on the recruiting trail – his only scholarship offer thus far is to play basketball at Newberry College – but the opportunity to play in the Shrine Bowl should help his football stock. He said he is open to playing either sport – or both – at the next level depending on what scenario gives him the best opportunity to continue his career and further his education.
