Former University of Miami defensive coordinator Tommy Tuberville once called end Kevin Patrick one of the best defensive players in the country. He plays hurt. Hes played hurt ever since hes been here.

They dont come any tougher than Kevin Patrick.

That was in October 1993, a few days before Patrick and his sixth-ranked Hurricanes humiliated No. 23 Syracuse, 49-0, in the Orange Bowl.

Back then, Patrick was a senior All-American out of West Palm Beach Forest Hill High School, playing with a torn rotator cuff. Today, he is the University of South Floridas defensive ends coach, preparing his Bulls (7-3, 3-3 Big East) to play No. 19 Miami (8-3, 5-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) on Saturday at Tampas Raymond James Stadium.

Along with more than 20 players from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties on USFs rosters, Patrick is one of several USF coaches connected to Miami through coaching or playing stints.

Patrick, 38, played with current Miami defensive assistant Micheal Barrow, and he was coached by current Miami coach Randy Shannon when Shannon was a graduate assistant and then a defensive line assistant.

Also, Miami defensive coordinator John Lovett coached with USF co-defensive coordinator David Blackwell at Clemson, and Miami receivers coach Aubrey Hill coached with USF running backs coach Carl Franks at Duke and Florida.

Its a great opportunity, and I look forward to playing against them, Patrick said. Im a Bull through and through now, and this is where my life is. But anytime you play against people you grew up with, thats exciting.

Thats a part of my life Ill always cherish. Those memories and experiences have brought me to where I am today.

Said Shannon: Kevin is a very fiery, competitive guy. He brings lots of charisma and excitement to the game.

Patrick said he met USF coach Jim Leavitt when Leavitt was an assistant at Kansas State and visited UM to confer with Canes coaches.

He came out and ran with the defensive line, Patrick said. He loved our work ethic. Years later, when he took over the USF job, we had a chance to speak, and thats how I came to be here.

Leavitt has his own UM connection: UM athletic director Kirby Hocutt.

Hocutt was coached by Leavitt, his position coach for five years when he played linebacker at Kansas State.

Im very close to Kirby, Leavitt said. He was a tremendous player for us when we were building that program at Kansas State. We have a very special bond.

Hocutt said he was especially looking forward to the reunion.

You wont find anybody who works harder, is more dedicated or more passionate about the game of football than coach Leavitt, Hocutt said. He maximized our talent and all the ability he had to coach.

Connections are something that make college football so special. Its a small world, and you can find crossovers almost ever weekend. Its always fun to talk about the old days.

Posted on November 28th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: NCAA football news