NEWBURGH — Few things about Benny Patterson III’s journey have been straightforward.
He grew up in South Carolina before his family moved to Indiana. There was only one scholarship offer following his junior season at Castle High School until his stock blew up nationally over a 10-month span. Patterson verbally committed twice before settling on the University of Michigan. Now throw in a tumultuous offseason that included a head coaching change.
What comes next? Potentially a big step forward on the football field.
The former Castle standout enters his second season with the Wolverines this fall. After playing mostly on special teams in five games last season, Patterson could be in line for more snaps and duties with the perennial Big Ten power.
“Anytime you choose a college,” he said. “You’re going to deal with some adversity. Overall, definitely think I made the right decision on where to go. It’s definitely a transition but a transition that I think I made well. I can’t complain at all.”
Patterson always had physical gifts few others possessed. He had 70 total tackles (14 for loss), seven sacks and three fumble recoveries during an All-State senior season with the Knights in 2024. But the learning curve from high school to college remains a tough hill to climb for everyone.
The defensive lineman saw the field in five games, including the Citrus Bowl against Texas, with most of his work coming on special teams. He was Michigan’s scout-team Defensive Player of the Week for his performance prior to a game against Nebraska. Patterson III didn’t record any tackles but labels last season valuable for what comes next.
He has four years of eligibility remaining after maintaining a redshirt last fall.
“Definitely something I don’t take for granted,” Patterson said. “As a young guy, even getting special teams reps, it builds confidence. It shows you that you belong where you’re at. The biggest thing for me is building confidence through those reps.”
Patterson put on 25-30 pounds (now listed at 270) since arriving at Michigan. He could see snaps at edge or interior depending on where the coaches put him. The Wolverines went 9-4 last season but have a new coach in Kyle Whittingham, who arrived after 20 years at Utah, following Sherrone Moore’s termination in December.
One of Patterson’s biggest priorities this offseason? Little to do with the future. He returned to Castle in May to host the first BP3 youth football camp. Over 100 campers ages 6-13 went through drills and instruction led by a Michigan football player and other former Castle athletes. It was completely free of charge.
Patterson wanted to give back to the same community which embraced him as a new kid years ago.
“When I was young and coming up, it was something I really would have appreciated,” he said. “I feel like having the opportunity to be that for other kids is definitely something that I look forward to.”
He’s already back in Ann Arbor to prepare for his second year of Big Ten football. The Wolverines open the season at home against Western Michigan on September 25. His goal remains incremental improvement and fighting for additional reps on the field.
Patterson made it this far with the same attitude. He has zero plans on stopping.
“Working out and trying to get better every day,” Patterson said. “Next year (I hope to) increase my role, contributing to the team’s success more. Developing into my own true player and establishing my game in college football.”
Kyle Sokeland is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @kylesokeland or email at kyle.sokeland@courierpress.com.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Castle grad Benny Patterson III eyes increased role with Michigan football
Reporting by Kyle Sokeland, Evansville Courier & Press / Evansville Courier & Press
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By Kyle Sokeland, Evansville Courier & Press | USA TODAY Network
