Top running back Hayes-Patrick relieved to land at Akron.
You could see the look of relief on the face of Peter Hayes-Patrick after the Winter Park running back announced during a National Signing Day ceremony Wednesday he was signing scholarship papers to play for Akron. It has been a tumultuous year for the Winter Park running back.
“I’m very excited. All the pressure’s off,” he said.
The bumpy ride started at the beginning of preseason practice when he transferred from Orlando Timber Creek to Winter Park, along with several other teammates. Enough of a stir was caused that Orange County Public Schools decided to investigate the transfers. Hayes-Patrick ultimately was hit with a five-game suspension to start his senior season.
Wednesday following the school’s National Signing Day ceremony, Hayes-Patrick said he didn’t believe the suspension hindered his recruitment. He was still able to rush for 849 yards and 10 touchdowns in the seven games he did play.
“I don’t think it really hurt me because I think Akron is a great place. God knew he already had a plan for me, to go to the right place and play right away,” said Hayes-Patrick, who is the younger brother of FSU running back Jacques Patrick.
The Zips averaged just 95.2 yards rushing per game last season.
“That was a position where we were concerned, because there wasn’t a whole lot left,” new coach Tom Arth told the Akron Beacon Journal. “When we found Pete, we kind of knew this is the No. 1 guy. This is the guy we have to have.”
Arth said Hayes-Patrick is capable of coming in and challenging for playing time.
“With the depth at that position and the experience at that position, I think he’s going to have a great opportunity,” Arth said. “Whether he’s the early down player, starter, he’ll have to earn that ... we would expect him to play and have carries for us this season.”
“Akron was the only school I really liked, to be honest … easy choice,” said Hayes-Patrick, one of the top running backs in the Orlando area in the class of 2019 after rushing for more than 2,000 yards during his first three years at Timber Creek.