Shaking off the Cobwebs.
Cam Patterson has been waiting a long while to get back on the football field. During the 3rd game of the season vs. Cabell Midland he suffered a major injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season. He was enjoying a nice start to his junior year with 15 tackles playing just 2 full games.
"I am finally full go and I fell great," Patterson said with relief and confidence after a recent practice. "It's frustrating not to be able to contribute, and I had to shake off some cobwebs at first. But I added 20 lbs and feel strong and healthy." As he enters his senior season Cam is ready to lead the younger Hurricane linebackers. "I stay on the Freshman and Sophomores, actually I stay on everyone, hopefully it helps make them better."
Getting better is something Patterson sees from the entire Redskin team thus far during pre-season practices. "I love what Coach Pratt schemes on defense, and having the same defense for 2 years in a row for the first time since I have been here certainly helps." He also see the Skins as more diverse this season. "There will be more guys playing multiple positions this season, J.T. (Cooper) will see more time on the outside pass rushing and (Steven) Shine and (Payton) Lunsford will be seeing a lot of action on both sides of the ball, they better be in shape." As for Cam he is happy to return to his position of Will (weak-side) Linebacker. "There is really nothing I would rather play."
Cam also likes the way the offense is coming along, and looks forward to seeing what they are capable of in the season opener against Winfield. Speaking of the Generals, Patterson is diplomatic, "Huff is a good QB but our defense is tough and we will be ready."
Patterson is certainly not looking past anyone but he does have a circle on a certain game on the Redskins schedule, "Cabell Midland...that's the game I got hurt last season so playing in that game will have even greater meaning for me this season."
Beside staying healthy and helping lead Hurricane to a State Championship, Cam adds one personal goal, "I would love to have a 100 tackle season." Now that the cobwebs are shaken off, where there is a WILL there is a way.
