Even when he was just a Rivals100 member, Seffner (Fla.) Armwood lineman Matt Patchan didn't believe he was getting the credit he deserved and now that he has been elevated to five-star status, guess what, he still believes he is underrated. On the surface that may come across as a bit conceited, but listening to his reasoning behind his statements and he comes across more driven than cocky.
"You know what Sir, where do they have me rated now?" asked Patchan. "They have me at a five-star now, but the way I look at it you can rate me a one-star if they want to – I think they would be wrong – but I think they're wrong not to have me at the very, very top of the list, period.
"Take the film from the last camp I did, which was the UCF camp, and put it up against anybody and I guarantee you I am the best player in the country, period, at any position.
"That's just my confidence level – I'm not trying to sound cocky. If I'm not considered the best, I look at it like maybe I'm not working hard enough since it's not getting through."
His self assurance isn't limited to his own ability – it carries over to what he thinks of his team as well.
"My expectations are the same as they have been every year that I've played football. I expect to go undefeated and win state. Anything less than that is considered a failure. Even if you're at the lowest of the lowest schools, your expectations should be the same. You should come to work every day with the attitude that nobody can beat you and you are the best team and you are the best player in the country.
"That's how you have to approach this. If you don't approach it that way, you're mentally weak and you shouldn't be playing football."
In the off season, by transferring to a new high school, he upped the ante as far as team expectations are concerned.
Although Tampa (Fla.) Freedom is considered a solid program, it isn't quite on the level as perennial powerhouse Armwood.
With a team featuring half a dozen major college prospects, they are expected to do well. And with those expectations comes pressure to perform.
"Because of the amount of talent we have here, we have talent at every position. Everyone around here is jacked about the season. We should be picked to win it all."
While some players can focus on just their senior season on the field. As one of the handful of five-star players who has yet to commit, Patchan however has to also be involved with the recruiting process as well.
He said he doesn't see it as a distraction.
"It's not tough on me at all. I look at like if I manage my time and play football, the recruiting will take care of itself. It goes back to the text messaging ban. You have players like, 'Oh I can't handle this' they think it's too hard. Come on. You can get a cheap package and if a coach text messages you and you don't want to talk to him, just don't text him back. Be responsible for yourself and manage your time. Then you won't need an excuse or for a new rule to be made up to protect you."
As has been reported, Patchan has narrowed his list of finalists down to a final five.
"Right now it's Miami, Florida, FSU, Ole Miss and LSU. I'm looking at those five schools."
While claiming no leader from among his five favorites, the 6-foot-7, 265-pound senior said that what happens in the upcoming season will play the biggest role in his decision.
"I'm going to give everyone a fair evaluation," said Patchan. "It's still the same five. It's going to sound awkward because so many players have already committed, but if you ask me, I think it's still early.
"We have a whole season to go. The next thing I'm going to be looking for is how these five teams are going to perform this season. That's going to tell a lot about what kind of character these teams have. Who will make progress, who will regress, who's headed in the right direction?
"I'm going to sit back and watch. I won't make a commitment until early January at the earliest."