MACON, Miss., - It's not that often that a player from a rural Mississippi town gets to play on a national stage.

But Noxubee County wide receiver Patrick Patterson will have that opportunity Jan. 3 when he participates in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas.

"It's a real big honor," Patterson said. "It makes you feel like you are one of the best players in the nation. Nothing like this ever crossed my mind. I never thought it could happen because (former Noxubee County quarterback) Omarr Conner didn't make it."

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound four-star senior was added to the roster Thursday afternoon with a pep rally in the school gymnasium in front of the entire school. The soft spoken and naturally shy Patterson was overwhelmed by all the attention.

"It feels weird because I don't like too much attention," Patterson said.

Patterson will have to get used to the limelight of playing in front of a national audience. The only time one of his games has been televised was the Tigers 4A State Championship game last season on Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

The All-American game will air nationally on NBC.



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