Although 247Sports ranks Jacques Patrick as the No. 2 running back of 2015, he's not. He's the best one of his class, hands down.
At nearly 6'2" and 225 pounds, the Timber Creek (something that runs hard and fast) is ideal for Michigan's offense. So ideal, in fact, that Patrick could be considered as a tailor-made fit for offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. The bottom line is this: Patrick is one of "those" recruits--the ones that will undoubtedly make an instant impact for whichever school they choose.
In February 2013, the Wolverines extended an offer. Then, that June, he visited. Afterward, there was a little chatter, then it all stalled. People began to realize that Patrick probably wasn't a realistic option. Then he reappeared on the radar and visited June 9. Again, there were talks of interest, but it seems as if Florida State and Alabama remain atop his list.
According to 247Sports, more than 50 programs are interested in Patrick. Along with Auburn, Miami (Fla.), Notre Dame, Ohio State, plus many others, he's said to have "warm" interest in Michigan.
5-star 2015 RB Jacques Patrick is still considering Michigan, but Alabama and FSU are in the lead. http://t.co/vES6qLuCEm
— Michigan Sports Guy (@SportingNewsMI) July 1, 2014
Five-star RB Jacques Patrick still considering Michigan, but Alabama, Florida State lead, per report http://t.co/6rrxqztcv8
— MLive Sports (@MLiveSports) June 30, 2014
This Tweet kind of says it all: The "visit" part remains good for Brady Hoke's program, but the "lean" portion isn't tilted in Michigan's direction.
5 star RB Jacques Patrick -- #fsu lean visiting #wolverines today http://t.co/xGsGVzsUIH
— Mike Farrell (@rivalsmike) June 9, 2014
As of early July, the Wolverines' 2015 class sits at eight. Keisean Lucier-South, a 5-star DE, and Damien Harris, a 5-star RB who was once committed, remain on the list of high-interest targets, per 247Sports. The addition of Patrick would be yet another home run hit by Hoke. However, in all likelihood, Patrick could choose to wait it out and see how well (or not well) Team 135 plays before giving word to Team 136.
Recruiting processes aren't all the same. Some are straight to the point, while others are of the methodically drawn-out variety. But it seems as if the Wolverines get themselves into great position in relation to Patrick, only to watch him slip just a bit further away.
Needless to say, his recruitment has been one of the most interesting middle-to-high-profile trails to follow.
Follow Maize 'n Brew's Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81