Quintin Patilla
LB/FB
Carman Ainsworth HS
(Flint, MI)
6-2/205/4.6
NR: ***
Position Rank: #58
Scout.com Player Video:
Quintin
Patilla Scouting Video 1
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Quintin
Patilla Scouting Video 2
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Quintin
Patilla Scouting Video 3 (Premium subscription
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His Recruiting Story
Quintin Patilla transferred to Carman-Ainsworth after two years at Flint (Powers).
He had a very good junior year, racking up 90 tackles and 5 sacks. He also rushed
the ball 16 times for 157 yards and a touchdown. GoBlueWolverine first learned
of his unbridled passion for Michigan after that standout junior campaign. While
down at the 2005 Army All-American combine in San Antonio, Patilla made it clear
that he would do whatever necessary to earn a Michigan scholarship. The 6-2,
200-pounder spent much his time at that combine (and others) working out at
receiver. He eventually earned Division 1 scholarship offers for his ability
at that spot, but not from Michigan. Things changed in late June when his overall
athleticism finally caught their eye. He displayed his talents by working out
a three different positions. "They (U-M staff) weren't quite sure where
they wanted me to fit in," Patilla said. "So they had me working out
at wide receiver, running back, and linebacker. I was tired because when some
of the kids were taking a break, I had to go to another position to work out,
but it went real good."
It went better than good because a few days after camp concluded he received
a scholarship offer from the Maize and Blue in the mail. He officially pledged
to the Wolverines on June 28th, 2005. "It was in a note," Patilla
said. "They sent me this little card. I didn't hesitate accepting. It has
been my dream to go there since I was a little kid."
Patilla, who chose Michigan over offers from Indiana, Toledo, Bowling Green,
Ball State, Central Michigan, and Northern Illinois, couldn't contain his excitement
when he spoke with Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr. The future Wolverine made
it clear that there is no other place he would rather be. "The first thing
he told me was that he was very impressed me," Patilla said. "I already
knew that because we had a conversation the last day of camp. Then he said that
he would love for me to be a Wolverine and that a scholarship was on the table.
He was in the middle of saying that I didn't have to accept it right now, and
I kind of cut him off (laughing). I know I shouldn't have, but I just said I'm
taking it right now! I'm taking it right now and I'm running with it! He was
very happy. He was on vacation and he said call him when he gets back so we
can talk more. That's my new coach!"
GoBlueWolverine Commentary
The Michigan coaching staff singled out Patilla's versatility as one of his
most desirable traits. It leaves open the possibility of him playing at a number
of different positions when he suits up in Ann Arbor. He'll start out at linebacker,
but could wind of playing fullback as well. His willingness to go all out every
play and his penchant for being a fierce hitter could translate well to either
side of the ball. At linebacker he is a sideline to sideline player that doesn't
get beat to the corner very often. At fullback he is a willing blocker that
would be an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield. Wherever he lines up,
he will bring an intensity and enthusiasm to the position that won't be topped,
but he'll need to get bigger in order to handle the pounding.
"I've talked to the coaches and they said that they wanted me to put on
some weight once the season is over," recalled Patilla. "They think
that I can do like my boy Otis Wiley is doing up at State and make an impact
right off the bat. I’ve been out there working as hard as I can to do
it. Me and Brandon Graham have talked about how we are trying to come in and
dominate from the start. Cobrani [Mixon]…that’s a close friend of
mine. We’ve never lived in the same city, but we've always competed against
each other. For some of our basketball tournaments we would go down to Ohio.
We bonded from there. He’s a close friend already. That is going to be
my roommate by the way. Steve Brown was at a game and he was talking about what
we were going to do. David Cone was at the Notre Dame game also. We are just
excited man. It’s the Big House man. If you can’t get excited to
go to the Big House or any football game, whether it’s D-1, D-2, D-3,
then you are in it for the wrong reason. You have to be excited about what you
do! I’m trying to get out there and play. I love this game too much!"
Off the field, Quintin will be a great locker room guy. There isn't a player
in the class that loves Michigan more than this young man.