Isaiah Patterson, Yelm 3-star linebacker, commits to UCLA Bruins

For Yelm (Washington) three-star linebacker Isaiah Patterson, his official visit to see the UCLA Bruins was difficult to shake.

The physically-imposing 6-foot-3, 235-pound 'backer took the trip May 5 and he felt ready to commit immediately.

Patterson eventually let that feeling subside in order to talk over his decision with family and other loved ones.

But those conversations all came back to UCLA being home.

On Wednesday, Patterson made it official, announcing his commitment to the Bruins over offers from Arizona State, Boise State, BYU, Washington State and others.

"I'm going to UCLA," he said. "The main reason was that the coaching staff really felt right as a whole. As a player and person, that felt like the best place I could go. The academics are great for what I want to do, and I was amazed with every aspect - from facilities to classes to development to even the food. ...They had everything I want." 

While Patterson has a close bond with several coaches on staff, his future position coach stands out.

"I have a really good relationship with coach (Ken) Norton Jr.," he said. "He's only offered a handful of guys. When I told him he was super pumped up about it and really develop me. Coach (Chip) Kelly was excited about it, too. He said I was an old soul and he liked my approach to the process." 

Still, it wasn't until his early May official visit that he knew Los Angeles was home.

"On the visit I was really close to committing, and almost committed on impulse," Patterson said. "But I didn't want to make a decision based on emotions. I talk to my close circle. I had already taken unofficial visits to a bunch of the school that offered me, and from what I've seen I didn't feel I needed to see any more." 

Patterson, who is one of the top inside linebackers in the Northwest, intends to graduate early and enroll in college in January.

UCLA's 2024 recruiting class consists of five pledges so far and is rated just inside the top-50 classes nationally. 

Patterson is just the second defensive pledge in the group, joining Mater Dei (California) four-star cornerback Khristian Dunbar-Hawkins. 

Scouting report

Patterson is a stout run defender who plays downhill from the inside linebacker spot.

He's also a developing pass-rusher who could prove disruptive in blitzing situations.

His lateral quickness and bend are a bit limited, which means he's unlikely to be as effective dropping back into coverage. However, he is a tireless worker and has focused on improving that area of his game in the offseason.

Patterson projects as a potential tackle machine whose lack of elite athleticism/flexibility limit his potential for explosion plays - interceptions, sacks on non-blitzing situations - at the collegiate level.  

His high character will be a valuable asset as a leader and teammate. 

Junior season highlights