Rock Chalk Talk with 2009 Recruit Tyler Patmon

Hello again everyone and welcome to the latest Rock Chalk Talk with one of our 2009 commitments.  This week I had the opportunity to chat with Tyler Patmon a corner out of Cedar Park Texas.

Initially I had planned to have this one done the week of the Missouri game but due to some miscommunication on my travel plans I had ot cancel on Tyler and thanks to him he was gracious enough to reschedule very promptly. 

For those who aren't very familiar with Tyler he is a 5-11, 180lb corner out of Cedar Park Texas as I mentioned before.  He committed to Coach Mangino and the Jayhawks very early on all the way back in April and has remained fully committed to the Jayhawks throughout the recruiting process.

Tyler strikes me as a team first type of guy that wants to come in, work hard, earn early playing time and has lofty goals for himself individually which is a great thing for a young man in his position.  Obviously Kansas has developed a little bit of a knack for finding solid Corners in both Charles Gordon and Aquib Talib and perhaps Tyler can be the next in line for this team.

Really enjoyed this one myself and I hope you all do as well.

Jump into the post for the entire interview transcript...

Tyler thanks for taking the time to talk, could you tell us a little about your senior season, how it’s gone both individually and for your team.

Well individually it was great I improved a lot since last year and was happy with my performance. Team wise not as good, we had a really talented team but ended up having injuries and a lot of close games that hurt us.

How about giving us a little background about you as a player.  Strengths?  Weaknesses? Areas where you see you can improve at Kansas?

Well the coaches have told me they like the way I cover, good hips, good speed and good tackler.  One thing I am focused on now is putting some weight on and getting even faster, once the weight comes I think more strength will come and I know Coach Jackson will be able to teach me more cover skills.

With regard to your speed what is your 40 time?

4.5...to me I’m more of a transition guy more about quickness.

Well, quickness is certainly important at corner...So Coach Jackson is your lead recruiter I'm guessing.   How did the recruitment process work, conversations?  Visits?

Well actually Coach Tovar is my recruiting coach so he is the one I have been talking to. We talk every week and he actually just came down Monday and came by the school to check on me make sure everything was ok. With my visit I have not scheduled that yet it will either be in the next few weeks or in January.

What was it about Kansas that made you want to play there? Particular Coach? Player? Other? and Why?

Well it seemed like a great opportunity since they were one of the first schools to offer me and being 11-1 the previous year. I love the campus there and I have family close by. Also I respect Coach Mangino a lot being the kind of Coach he is, it also helps that he was at OU since that’s where I was born and was raised as a Sooner. Coach Jackson also seemed like a great Coach that I could play for.

Who else recruited you and how do you handle the pressure from other schools now that you are committed?

Schools such as Utah, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Colorado State and a few others all recruited me. With the pressure it isn't that bad, the coaches might tell you they are going to call you and keep in touch but me and my dad just let them know that I’m sold on Kansas.

Good to hear...Is there any specific player you look at as someone you play similar too or would like to and what is it about them you find similar?

Well I would have to say Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest. He is a guy that is an emotional player, a good tackler, and a guy that makes plays when they are needed on both sides of the ball. I think I am and can do all that

Is there anyone in particular you are looking most forward to playing with at Kansas and why?

I’m really looking forward to playing with (Dezmon) Briscoe.   He seems like a great receiver that will challenge me in practice

Briscoe is turning into an absolute stud, I really enjoy watching him...What are your goals individually for your time at Kansas?

I want to start as a freshman, whether it is as a true freshman or red shirt freshman. I want to be a part of the class that really turns the program into one of the top programs in the nation. Be able to be the next Aquib Talib since he is the best corner to come out of Kansas.

Kansas is definitely developing a Corner tradition, would love it if you were the next Talib...I've got a few quick questions to wrap things up.

Favorite NFL Team?

Cowboys

I could have guessed...Player?

De Angelo Hall

If you had to play another Position other than corner what would it be and why?

Receiver without a doubt that’s where my second home is in football where I can make plays.

Best player/receiver you've played against.

Harper he is a kid that goes to Iowa State now.

Big 12 Team you're looking most forward to playing against.

Oklahoma and Texas