2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Willie Patterson, WR, Montana State University

• Name: Willie Patterson
• Position: WR
• College: Montana State University
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 185 lbs
• Twitter: @wpatterson__
• Instagram: @wpatterson__

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Ever since I came out of the womb I was given a football in my hand. My father(All American RB & CWU) and my 3 brothers played football, so even before I could walk I was on the sideline cheering my family on. That lead to my obsession of the sport.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I am looking for the opportunity to compete and win at the highest level. I want to show the world the work I’ve put into this game. I also want to leave a positive impact on the fans and inspire the kids coming up that they can make it to the pros even though they aren’t at a power 5 school.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would like to hangout with Steve Smith. He was one of my favorites growing up. The way he played with so much passion and had no fear is something I believe I try to model my game after.He was a straight up dawg.
Another reason why would be that he could give me some real knowledge about this whole process and also give me some gems that can take my game to the next level.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Top 3 moments

1)My high-school QB days where I threw for over 7500 yds and had 80+ passing touchdowns. I also rushed for over 2700 yds and 28 tds.
2) Winning a Big Sky championship and being recognized as an all conference receiver and landing in the top 10 of all time, in career receiving touchdowns at Montana State.
3) Gold rush at Bobcat Stadium. It’s our first home game of every season where the fans pack out the stadium in all yellow shirts. This is the game in 2021 where I caught a fade route in the back of the end zone and did a backflip in front of the student section!!

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My brother Ryan inspired me the most. He was a high-school QB who wore number 11 and he unfortunately died from alcoholism going into my junior year. He taught me how to throw a football and I looked up to him like kids these days look up to Russell Wilson. Once he died I switched my number from 7 to 11 to honor his legacy.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

My favorite has to be a dynamic run game mixed with an explosive/efficient pass scheme. This scheme allows a WR like me the ability to run all type of routes that allow me to get the ball in space and do something with it. The run game being dynamic allows for the WR to be counted in the run game and has to make some key blocks which is something I excel at. That mixed with my high IQ of opposing defenses allows me to be an X factor in this scheme because I can play outside, inside, and be in motion. With my QB background as well offensive playbooks come naturally to me so you can plug me in any offense.

What should we know about Willie Patterson the person?

He’s a hard working, competitive, passion driven athlete that loves the game of football. He holds himself to a standard of “how you do anything, is how you do everything” which in turns helps him be as disciplined as he can be when working in becoming a better football player and a better man. He has had big dreams of doing everything at the highest level it can be done and strives for perfection in everything he does.

What stands out about your film the most?

The way I attack 50/50 balls in the air and come down with them is my strongest trait. Being an undersized WR I have the ability to climb the ladder or torque my body some way to make the catch. My film shows that I have a big catch radius that allows me to make all types of adjustment on the ball. I have the ability to take a hitch route and turn into something special and I am a dynamic punt and kick returner that can see a hole and hit it. I also pride myself in the run game and can deliver some crucial blocks on the perimeter that changes a 8-10 yd run into 60 yd touchdowns. Lastly my effort on each play shows up on my film. You’ll never catch me not running full speed if I’m getting the ball or not. I’m trying to have an impact on the play run or pass.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I handle them by always looking for the positive side of things. I look at any hardship or challenge as an opportunity to over come it. I believe everything happens for a reason and the only thing you have control over is your response to those challenges so I never let my emotions get too high or too low. I’ve had adversity throughout my whole life so when I see adversity creep in I attack it and know that I’ll get through it.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A pure football player. Someone who can run, catch, and throw. A player who will do anything to get on the field and a player who will do anything for his team. I’ll inspire my teammates with my work ethic and I’m a player who comes from winning and knows what it takes to win. They will get a competitive receiver who doesn’t take nothing from anyone and constantly shows max effort in any and everything he does. Also my IQ of the game and my QB background allows me to be plugged into any offensive scheme and have the opportunity to thrive.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I love that it’s the ultimate team sport. It’s the only sport where all 11 have to be working as a unit for it to work. The chase of perfection in the plays and the scheme is what I love about it. Also, I love the impact I leave on the fans when they see me play. Also the chance I have to leave a legacy every time I step on the field inspires me to go out on each game and leave it all out there.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Kevin Kassis. Even though MSU has had great offensive lineman and RBs because of history of its dominant run game, Kevin is one of the greats. He was my teammate my first 4 years at MSU and he’s one of the shiftiest players I’ve ever seen. The way he approached each day and his craft proved why he was so good. He had the ability to catch every type of pass and had true natural hands.