Wisconsin football recruiting: Badgers land DT Jeremy Patterson for 2014

Wisconsin received its latest 2014 commitment Saturday in the form of defensive tackle Jeremy Patterson. A 6-foot-3, 310-pound prospect from Jesup (Wayne County), Ga., Patterson is considered a three-star tackle per 247 Sports' composite rankings. A teammate of recent Badgers commit and wide receiver Krenwick Sanders, Patterson is the nation's No. 39 defensive tackle and the No. 40 player from Georgia for 2014.

Patterson chose Wisconsin over offers from N.C. State, Clemson, Florida, Florida State and North Carolina. Citing the possibility of early playing time at UW, Patterson chose the Badgers despite the lengthy distance from home.

"I can play my freshman year at Wisconsin," Patterson said. "They play good on the defensive line. When I went there on the visit the whole staff was really supportive of me."

Running backs coach Thomas Hammock was the lead recruiter for Patterson, while defensive line coach Chad Kauha'aha'a gets the assist.

Patterson is the Badgers' second commitment of the week, after tight end Beau Benzschawel flipped from Syracuse. He's also the third defensive end for 2014, alongside four-star Craig Evans and three-star Joe Keels. Evans remains a soft commit, as he's still considering Arkansas, Michigan State and UCLA.

Twitter roundup

Patterson: 'I'm really happy to make this decision. I'm excited to go w/ (Krenwick Sanders) & compete for playing time right away.' #Badgers

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) October 26, 2013

I know these kids haven't play 1 snap of college fball, but this UW staff is doing things in recruiting that the former staff never could do

— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) October 26, 2013

With DT Jeremy Patterson, #Badgers now have the No. 27 recruiting class in the country. One spot below ... http://t.co/9qtXnSo8w1

— Jon McNamara (@McNamaraRivals) October 26, 2013

GA OG Jeremy Patterson on why he picked Wisconsin- "It is the place I want to be and can see myself there for at least four years." #Badgers

— Brice Marich (@BriceMarich) October 26, 2013

"He power cleans 415 pounds, he benches about 400 pounds - he's phenomenally strong and phenomenally quick. #Badgers http://t.co/2s1jR4nOZP

— Jon McNamara (@McNamaraRivals) October 26, 2013

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