All Tar Heels

UNC Football Adds Speedy Defender to 2024 Recruiting Class

New UNC football signee Jaiden Patterson excels on the track and gridiron.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
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Mill Creek (Ga.) safety Jaiden Patterson checked out the Duke and UNC football programs before revealing his commitment to the Tar Heels in April. Eight months later, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound four-star solidified that pledge to Mack Brown and his staff by signing his national letter of intent on Wednesday.

Patterson, who doubles as a track star and holds his school's records in the 200 and 400 meters, ranks No. 297 overall, No. 34 among safeties, and No. 33 in Georgia on the 247Sports 2024 Composite.

UNC football's social media team announced his signing with the following hype video and highlights:

And 247Sports' Don Callahan provided the following assessment of Patterson's game:

"A converted receiver who didn’t begin playing defense until his junior season, Patterson is a safety with instant acceleration and imposing range. Predictably, he excels most in zone coverage, but the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder also has the foot speed and hips to play man coverage, particularly in goal-line situations where he can get physical. That natural physicality is also present when he runs the alley in run support."

Jaiden Patterson joins 26 other high school seniors who signed with the Tar Heels on the first day of the national signing period. At the time of this article's publishing, the collection boasts a No. 26 composite ranking.

Top-Shelf UNC Commit Jordan Shipp Makes It Official

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC football recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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