On Patterson: Third-year lineman who made the switch from defense to offense last season … will work primarily at right guard behind Lamar Bryant … a tenacious blocker with good feet … tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee in the spring game and had offseason surgery but is expected to return in time for fall camp … one of two offensive linemen with a vertical jump of 30 inches or better (31).

2002 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action as a reserve in seven games … played a total of 46 plays … (at Duke) … registered his lone “big block” of the season … (at UNC) …earned his top grade of the season (1.44).

2001 (Freshman): Redshirt season.

High School: A 2001 graduate of Frederick (Md.) High School … a three-year starter at defensive tackle who also saw action on the offensive line ... as a senior in 2000, was named Associated Press honorable mention all-state as a defensive linemen in addition to pulling down first team All-Central League honors for the second consecutive year … a first team all-area selection by the Frederick Post ... named the top lineman in Frederick as a junior … a preseason Mid-Atlantic all-region selection by PrepStar ... was also one of the top wrestlers in the state.

Personal: Akil Sadiki Patterson was born January 23, 1983 … son of Rhonda and Keith Patterson … majoring in government and politics ... is interested in a career in politics.

Akil Patterson Class: Sophomore Hometown: Frederick, Md. High School: Frederick Height / Weight: 6-2 / 295 Position: Offensive Line Birthdate: 01/23/1983 Experience: 1V