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Ole Miss recruiting 2016: Shea Patterson dazzles in season opener

Shea Patterson was an absolute surgeon in IMG's victory over Miramar (Fla.) on Sunday and we take a look at other notable performances from Ole Miss' 2016 crootin class.

By Zach Berry
IMG Academy

Well, it didn't take long for the IMG Ascenders to get that horrible taste out of their mouths. After suffering a devastating defeat in a preseason scrimmage to American Heritage (Fla.), the Shea Patterson-led squad broke down the door in blowout fashion as they defeated the Miramar (Fla.) Patriots 38-14 at IMG Stadium on Sunday. The home team raced ahead to a 38-0 lead at halftime and enjoyed a running clock due to the mercy rule the remainder of the game.

The humongous lead at the half was due in large part to Shea "The Chef" Patterson (a nickname that was revealed on ESPNU during the game) slicing and dicing through the Miramar defense. Patterson finished 15-of-23 for 179 yards and three touchdowns. The Chef also completed passes to seven different receivers throughout the first half. In a game where you could still see some lapses in the offensive line as they continue to learn to play together, Patterson time and time again was able to scramble and make plays.

After a somewhat sluggish scrimmage against one of the top programs in the country last week, Shea looked like the No. 1 player in the country on Sunday. He was staying in the pocket and throwing darts over the middle, moving outside the pocket and throwing on the run to check downs and evading the rush, shaking off would-be tacklers and finding guys downfield for six points. One of the things that makes Patterson so deadly is his ability to elude the defense while keeping his eyes downfield. As you can see in the video below, he looks, dare I say, "Manziel-esque" when evading the blitz. All I know is, this kid is damn good and fun to watch

Next game: Saturday, September 5th, 1 p.m. CT at DeSoto (Tex.)

Justin Connor, 4-star ATH

Connor and his North Panola Cougar teammates bounced back this past week to even their season record at 1-1 after taking down Coahoma Agricultural (Miss.) to the tune of 42-7. The four-star running back/defensive back wasn't a large part in the Cougar's scoring effort as he only ran the ball 10 times, but he made the most of those touches. The 5'10, 190-pound all-purpose threat ran for 101 yards and two touchdowns and was quickly sent to the bench once the game was quickly out of hand.

Next game: Friday, September 4th, 7 p.m. CT vs Benton County (Miss.)

D'Vaughn Pennamon, 4-star RB

The four-star Lone Star State all-purpose back turned in a solid performance on the ground in his season opener against Westfield (Tex.) despite (50-yard touchdown called back for holding) the loss and snagged seven receptions for 40 yards. Pennamon still had a huge hand in the game despite the Mavericks' offense running through their do-it-all quarterback and TCU commit D'Eriq King. Pennamon showed the ability to protect his quarterback in pass protection, another gear in the open field on the touchdown run that was called back and getting out of the backfield and becoming a receiver.

Next game: Friday, September 4th, 7 p.m. CT at North Shore (Tex.)

Jarrion Street, 3-star RB

Not to be overshadowed, the Alabama running back had himself quite the night. The 6'1, 203-pound Street led Hewitt-Trussville to a dramatic 36-34 victory of Gardendale (Ala.) to even their season record at 1-1. On a soggy night in Gardendale, Ala., Street rumbled for 224 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries against the home-standing Rockets. It should be noted that due to Street being in a spread offense, he does share carries with his dual-threat quarterback. Despite his QB taking 22 of his potential carries, he still managed to destroy the Gardendale defense.

Next game: Friday, September 4th, 7 p.m. CT vs Tuscaloosa County (Ala.)

Greg Eisworth, 3-star ATH

Despite being on the losing end of the season opening game for the South Grand Prairie Warriors, Eisworth did all he could to lead them to victory against the Skyline (Tex.) Raiders. The 5'11, 182-pound free safety/quarterback accounted for 111 of the team's 219 total yards as he passed for 50 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for 61 yards. Eisworth will most definitely not play QB for the Rebels in the future, but you have to like the young man's versatility and willingness to help his team at the most important position. Despite it not being his natural position and what he will be playing at the next level, folks seem to like Eisworth under center.

Next game: Thursday, September 3rd, 7 p.m. CT vs Midlothian Heritage (Tex.)