Isaiah Patterson, Yelm 3-star linebacker, has high praise for UCLA Bruins visit as decision nears

Last week, Yelm (Washington) three-star linebacker Isaiah Patterson took his first official visit to check out the UCLA Bruins.

Heading into the trip, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound 'backer had high hopes and big expectations for the visit.

Chip Kelly's program checked all of those boxes. 

"It really just met and exceeded all of my expectations, honestly," Patterson said. "From the players to the coaches to the strength and conditioning staff, everything about it felt right. I had three or four meetings with Coach Kelly and he followed up with me and my family the night we got back from the visit and the following day" 

Former Ferndale (Washington) star and UCLA running back Isaiah Carlson hosted Patterson on the trip and was referenced as a key to it being such a positive visit.

Patterson was also impressed by the UCLA coaching staff - from defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn to inside linebacker coach Ken Norton Jr. 

"Norton's resume speaks for itself," Patterson said. "He played in the NFL for 13 years, three-time Super Bowl champion, coached in the NFL and coached a bunch of really good linebackers. But not just Norton, Coach Lynn and the whole UCLA defensive coaching staff (is impressive). They have a bunch of guys who have coached in the NFL or have been defensive coordinators. They have a wealth of defensive knowledge and experience."

Given all the positives stemming from the visit, Patterson expects the Bruins to be a major contender the rest of the way.

In fact, he said he could see himself choosing UCLA. 

"Overall, they did a really good job of impressing me, and I could definitely see myself being there in the future," Patterson explained. "UCLA is definitely up there. I think UCLA is a place I could call home. Some good things could definitely happen in the near future."

As for a timeline for making that decision, the Yelm star isn't sure yet.

He doesn't have any other official visits solidified, but he is still weighing his options. 

"I'm not in a rush to make a decision, but I'm not hesitating," he said. "Once I know, I'm going to commit. That could be a week, that could be a month." 

Patterson is part of a Yelm linebacker trio that recruiting expert Tom Lemming recently called the best in the country.

He is rated the nation's No. 64 linebacker and projects as an inside linebacker who can get after the quarterback and be a force against the run.

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