Tweet me!When Butch Jones and his staff received a verbal commitment from Patrick Coyne on March 29, they knew the program was getting a talented prospect, but they likely had no idea the Hamilton Badin signal caller would quickly become an aggressive recruiter, mature spokesperson and combine all-star. But that is exactly what has transpired in the last two months.
With only a few days remaining in his junior year, the "near" senior has continued to answer his critics with eye popping combine workouts and an overall maturity well beyond his years. The latest organizations to recognize Coyne's physical talents are Rivals and ESPN.
"Yes, it's a tremendous honor to be ranked in Rivals' top 250 players and be a four star recruit," said Coyne. "And I just got notified by the people at ESPN that I am their 14th ranked quarterback. I was ranked No. 8 overall at quarterback by Rivals."
But these rankings tell only part of Coyne's story. Although there is no question he possessed a confidence that in the past might have been described as "cocky," that possible arrogance seems to have given way to humility.
"Even with the success I had last year, I never would have thought I'd be where I am today. I really count my blessings."
The 1st team All-GCL performer wants to be part of a great recruiting class and has been very active contacting and meeting with other UC prospects. Coyne was one of the first people to speak with Withrow's Brandon Mitchell after the defensive tackle received his scholarship offer from the Bearcats a few days ago.
Article: Brandon Mitchell talks about receiving UC offer.
"Brandon and I go way back to our freshman year at LaSalle. I've spent some nights with him, and he's spent some night with me. We've stayed in touch over the years, and he's a great football player that I hope will be with me at UC."
Coyne continued, "I want to make this the strongest class UC has ever had. I want to be able to give the seniors a good look (on scout teams), and after they leave take more of a leadership role each year as we work our way up the ladder. You want guys with high character that can be your brothers on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons."
That feeling of brotherhood already exists for Coyne at Hamilton Badin. The Ram baseball team that lost in the state semi-finals includes many football players, and Patrick regularly attended the games.
"I've been to almost every single game this year, but I couldn't go today because I had training at work. They just lost in extra innings, and almost all of those guys play football."
Despite all the accolades being heaped on Coyne, he is still hungry to prove himself in 2010.
"I made that mistake last year of going into the season too confident, and I'm not making it again. All the rankings are nice, and I'm thankful for what I have. But tomorrow when I start lifting, the rankings won't matter."
What does matter for UC football fans is that Patrick Coyne couldn't be more committed to the University of Cincinnati and its football program, and this local boy promises to put a great face on Bearcat football for the next several years.
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