Matt Patchan's early enrollment has created a buzz in Gainesville, but the buzz surrounding his play is much bigger. The freshman came in early to take advantage of spring practices, and he is doing just that so far.
Q: “How’s the spring been so far?”
A: “It’s been great. It’s a first chance to get out here, put the pads on and show what I’m about. It’s been an exciting time for me to learn the offense and the defense.”
Q: “Do you have a preference where you play?”
A: “On the field. They’re both fun. As long as you play offense hard, it’s just as fun as defense. It’s great to be playing and contributing to the defense.”
Q: “Would you be fine to stick on defense for the remainder?”
A: “Yeah. I’m good with that. I like defense. I feel like I could make an impact for the team there.”
Q: “Do you still focus on the offense?”
A: “I go to offensive meetings every day after defensive meetings, so I’m doubling up on that. I’m trying to do double duty with everything. They’ve got me on defense for a while now, and we’ll see what the future holds.”
Q: “How does the shoulder feel?”
A: “It’s getting a lot better. I haven’t been able to work out with it in about four months. It’d be great this offseason, after spring, I’ll finally be able to get back to benching and my strength will go back up. I’ll be able to squat for the first time in over a year, which will be very helpful for me.”
Q: “When did you actually hurt the shoulder?”
A: “Fourth game into my senior season. I just kept playing through it and getting shot up. Now I came here and got the surgery done. Then I had mono at the end of my senior year. I ended up at 230 during the last game of my senior year. I came in here real light. Now I’m about 252, because I got sick last weekend. I’m going to put the weight on after spring ball and I’ll be around 265 solid, fast and quick.”
Q: “What are some of the challenges at end?”
A: “Getting in my right stance. I’ve never put my left hand down, so now that I’m doing that I’ve got to get used to it and get more reps. Once I get more reps I’ll be able to transfer my weight and play better. I’m trying to improve on everything.”
Q: “Do you care if you’re a defensive tackle or end?”
A: “Whatever the team needs. I want to contribute.”
Q: “How flattering is it to hear Coach Meyer rave about you?”
A: “He’s raving about me? No, it’s great. He’s a legendary coach obviously and it’s great to have his support. It’s not just me and my whole d-line. The whole defense is playing great. Every time they play great, it opens it up for everyone else. We’re making a lot of strides on the defensive line.”
Q: “Have you always had that passion and energy to play every play?”
A: “Yeah. My big thing was I’m a big effort guy. I would say all the time when I was being recruited I was going to give the most effort, and I believe I can and will. It’s great to come here and show how I play and bring the team up.”
Q: “Do they every give you a hard time about the hair and beard?”
A: “Everybody does. If they got something to say, they’ll say it to my face.”
Q: “When you were deciding between Miami and Florida, and Florida sent down five coaches to your in-home visit, how much of a different did that make?”
A: “It was good. Whenever I was evaluating everything I was looking at what was going to help me reach my potential to the fullest and win a national championship. I felt like I could accomplish all my goals here at the University of Florida. So far I’m on the right track. I thank the coaching staff. They were honest with me the whole time and I was honest with them.”
