Patrick Patterson”s football career at the University of Mississippi apparently is over.
Rivals, Scout, and RebelGrove.com reported Tuesday night that the former Noxubee County High School standout has been dismissed from the program.
The Northeast Daily Journal in Tupelo reported this morning on its website that Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt had confirmed the move and that more information would be released soon.
Patterson had 12 catches for 180 yards and a touchdown as a freshman this past season. Rivals.com rated Patterson the No. 4 wide receiver in the nation, and the top recruit out of the state of Mississippi.
But Patterson served a one-game suspension this past season and was suspended for spring drills. He would have been a prime contender for a starting spot at wide receiver given the Rebels lost Shay Hodge, the Southeastern Conference”s top receiver in 2009, to graduation.
In 2008, Patterson had 73 catches for 1,287 yards and 19 touchdowns to lead Noxubee County to the Class 4A state title. The Tigers were state runner-up in 2007.
Patterson was chosen the Class 4A Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team All-State performer by the Mississippi Coaches Association in 2008. For his career, he had 209 catches for 3,574 yards and 42 touchdowns.
Markeith Summers and Lionel Breaux remain as the only receivers on the roster with significant experience at the position. Patterson”s dismissal also could create an opening for Vincent Sanders, Patterson”s former teammate at Noxubee County High. Sanders played wide receiver and quarterback as a senior in high school and was one of the state”s most highly recruited players.
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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