Speed Burning 2020 CB Patrick Dean Talks Football and Growing Recruiting Process
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 high school football season became the proving grounds for Class of 2020 cornerback Patrick Dean. As with all athletes at all levels, once the proverbial light bulb went off realizing the talents he possesses, he became a top cover corner for Colony High School. The 6-0, 182-pound, defender was tasked with stopping the opposition’s top receiving target each game, be-it a receiver, tight end, or slot, working for 24 tackles and three picks in seven games. The speed burner is a two-sport standout flashing his overall speed and athleticism even further in track laying down a 10.81 in the 100 meters. All of this action is bringing recruiting attention to the Ontario field for Dean.
In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of the rising talents in California’s 2020 class to learn more about his skills on the field and growing recruiting interest along the trail.
Interview
Patrick, your game film has you all over the secondary for the Titans during your junior campaign. How did all go for you on the field personally in 2018?
“It went well. During the first game, I was not that confident but then I got my pick-six. That got my confidence up and I stated balling out.”
You lined up at both corner and safety. How did the coaches split up your time and the different positions?
“If a team had a top receiver, I would play corner against him. If they had a top tight end or slot, I would be at safety to guard their top guy over the top.”
Which areas of your game started off in 2018 as a weakness but by the end of the schedule had become strengths?
“My hips. At the start of the season I was not as fluid, I was not turning as fast as I wanted. By the end of the year, I was much looser and turning faster.”
What are the other elements to your game that make you such a productive defensive back?
“I have really good speed. My 40-yard dash is a 4.6. I don’t get beat deep. I react to the ball and read routes well.”
Where all might you line up on the field in 2019?
“I am playing corner, safety, and some receiver too. I am playing that athlete role. Wherever the coaches need me, I will go do it.”
Are you playing 7v7 with a travel team this spring?
“Yes. I am playing with ProWay.”
How have the tournaments with ProWay gone for you?
“They have been really good. Playing 7v7 has helped me playing corner a lot, and I am playing some receiver too with them. It has been really great for me. I am learning a lot of technique.”
Have you competed at any national camps this offseason?
“I have. I have competed at the Rivals Combine and I am going to UCLA camp in June and I plan on going to camps at Azusa Pacific and the Redlands camps.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from UNLV, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Northern Arizona.”
Have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?
“Yes. I have taken visits to UCLA, San Diego State, and I went to New Mexico last year.”
How did the UCLA visit go?
“It was really good. The campus is beautiful. I could see myself there. I really liked it.”
What about San Diego State, how did that go?
“I liked it there as well. It is closer to home. I liked their facilities and how they run their practices.”
And the New Mexico visit, how did that go?
“That was my first visit. I like it a lot. I felt very comfortable there. I love their coaches at New Mexico.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take upcoming?
“Yes. I am planning on visiting Cal-Poly.”
Are you competing in any other sports for Colony?
“Yes. I am running track.”
Which events?
“The 100, 200, and 4×1.”
What are your best times in the 100 and 200?
“My best time in the 100 is 10.81 and my best in the 200 is a 23-flat.”
Wow. That is smoking.
“Thank you.”
Last question. Is there anything you are out to prove when the lights come on for the 2018 season?
“I just want to prove I am one of the best athletes in California. I want people to recognize me and my team, we have a lot of talent here at Colony.”
Patrick, it was great learning more about you and your play on the field today. Good luck with the rest of your track season and offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Dean family; Patrick Dean at San Diego State and New Mexico