Bishop Kelley DE Ryan Patrick picks Tulsa

On Monday night, Tulsa picked up another 2017 football commitment from a local prospect when Bishop Kelley defensive end Ryan Patrick announced his decision.

“I ultimately decided this was best for me because it is an outstanding education, I’ll be playing football, and it’s not too far from home,” he told Inside Tulsa Sports on Monday evening. “Tulsa was the one I felt most comfortable with at this stage.

“I really like everything about the campus, the reputation it has, the football, and the fact that everyone I know who graduated from there is successful.”

During his recruitment, Patrick developed a strong relationship with Golden Hurricane coaches.

“They are all great men,” he said. “They understand the recruiting process and have treated me with great care in that department. And they also coach their players well, and like any good coach, they expect a lot out of their players. I really like the coaches at TU.”

“I’d like to thank Coach (Philip) Montgomery, Coach (Bill) Young and Coach (Beau) Trahan especially for the great opportunity to represent my home town and play Division 1 football for the University of Tulsa,” Patrick wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to the entire Tulsa football coaching staff for the warm welcome into the next phase of my life. Now let’s get to work!”

The 6-foot-3, 220 pound athlete also held offers from Pittsburgh State and Northeastern State, while receiving interest from several FBS schools.

“I have been talking to coaches from Kansas State, Michigan, Arkansas State and others,” Patrick added.

Bishop Kelley finished 7-3 last season, and Patrick is looking to help his team improve in 2016. His individual and team goals are lofty.

“For me, lead the state in sacks, tackles for loss and QB rushes,” he said. “For my team, win the state championship. I guess just be all that I can be this season is my main goal, but more importantly, I want to be a leader on and off the field with my team.”

Patrick will rely on his strengths in his senior season.

“My speed off the ball, quick hands, and explosive tackling help me the most,” he described. “I pass rush the best, but I also drop into coverage and can lock people up pretty well in coverage.”

Tulsa now has 13 commitments in its 2017 recruiting class. Click here to see a full list of all 13 commitments.