The Bulldogs Miss Out on the Top Offensive Tackle in the Country…
The University of Georgia Bulldogs had their hearts set on Jamal “Tank” Patterson, the 6’7”, 325-pound phenom out of Fort Lauderdale. A five-star recruit, Patterson was a brick wall in cleats — quick off the snap, impossibly strong, and with a football IQ that rivaled most offensive coordinators. For months, Georgia’s coaching staff had rolled out the red carpet: campus visits, private dinners with alumni, even a surprise video call from a former Bulldog turned NFL star.
The fans were sure it was a done deal. “Tank to Athens” trended for weeks. Patterson even showed up to a Georgia game wearing a red and black hoodie.
But on signing day, standing before a table covered with hats from Alabama, USC, Ohio State, and Georgia, Jamal surprised the nation. He reached past the Bulldog cap, picked up the cardinal and gold of USC, and smiled. “I’m headed to the West Coast.”
The silence in Athens was deafening.
Coach Daniels stood by the weight room later that day, jaw tight, shaking his head. “You win some,” he muttered, “but that one hurts.”
Back in Los Angeles, USC fans erupted. Their line just became a fortress.
And in Georgia? Well, the Bulldogs would have to find another way to protect their quarterback — because the wall they wanted had just been built 2,200 miles away.
Leave a Reply