Under the Helmet – Ohio State Buckeyes
9/17/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 17, 2005
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Football coaches often talk about how nice it is to have a “coach on the field,” referring to a player that thinks like a coach. For the time being, Ohio State junior defensive lineman David Patterson is just that. After his playing days are over, he would like to become a coach, preferably at the high school level.
Patterson is studying to be a high school social studies teacher. Once he hangs up his cleats, he hopes to return to his old high school, Warrensville Heights, to teach and also serve on the varsity staff and ultimately become the head coach. Talent development is the part of the job Patterson would enjoy the most.
“My main goal as a coach would be to get people to college,” Patterson said. “Just like what coach Ginn does up in Cleveland.”
Patterson was referring to Ted Ginn Sr., the coach of Cleveland Glenville High School. Ginn Sr. coached five members of the current Ohio State team while they played in high school, and has an outstanding reputation for turning high school players into great Division I prospects.
Going to a program that already is successful at sending many players to college is not what Patterson is looking for. He would much rather try to develop the talent himself, and then see them succeed after high school. He feels the best place to do that would be back home at Warrensville Heights.
“My high school would be ideal,” Patterson said. “We have sent a few people to Division I schools, but not as many as some of the more successful schools. I would love the challenge of trying to produce a lot of Division I athletes for a school that has not had that many.”
Working with young people has always been a joy for Patterson. That is the reason he chose to become a teacher and he spends much of his free time with kids.
“There is nothing more fun to me than hanging out with my little cousins,” Patterson said. “They all live back in Cleveland, and that is what I look forward to most when going home.”
Aside from playing with his cousins, Patterson also has experience with children in the Columbus area by speaking at different schools. Patterson has spoken to children of all different ages from elementary to high school.
Patterson was a three-year starter on both sides of the ball in high school, but has played strictly defensive line since enrolling at Ohio State. That is mainly the reason he sees himself coaching defense to begin his coaching career.
“I like the concept of trying to counter what the offense is doing,” Patterson said. “The different strategies that go into defense interest me.”
To get his start, Patterson would like to begin coaching the defensive line. Then he wants to become defensive coordinator. After he has obtained enough experience, he then wants to try to reach his ultimate goal and become head coach.
Patterson still remains in contact with his high school coach, Dan Thorpe, who now coaches in Chicago at Marmion Academy. Patterson said the two of them talk once every week or two. He said although it would be nice to meet up and coach with Thorpe, he really wants to remain in Ohio, and preferably at Warrensville Heights.
Patterson is really excited about his first head coaching job once his playing days are over. Buckeye fans should just be glad for the next two years, Patterson will be using his football expertise to help the Buckeyes’ defense as a player.
