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Editor’s note: The sixth installment of a nine-part series examining the Iowa State football squad in advance of the August 23 start of the season.
As he discusses his most recent and impressive project, AMES Jamison Patton shines with pride.
The standout player from Ankeny High School who is now a reliable contributor in Iowa State’s secondary isn’t discussing weight room gains or learning more about how to play safety.
Patton has undoubtedly improved in each of those areas, but he is enthusiastically discussing building something else: sophisticated Lego creations.
Despite having 0 career starts in his 25 games played, Patton, who has become a leader in his room, stated, “I love building Legos.” In the last year, I have recently become involved with it. It’s entertaining and fascinating. You have the opportunity to create things and witness the final result of your labor.
Out of need, Patton added the leadership component to his growing skill set. During the Cyclones’ unprecedented 11-win 2024 season, the frequently injured, excellent leader Beau Freyler used up all of his eligibility, leaving a gap that Patton was happy to help fill.
Patton, one of the several gifted returners in ISU’s secondary this season, remarked, “I see Beau as Superman.” He is simply a beast. It’s really motivating to watch him go through what he did and give it his all for the team and for us. I was in his pocket when I first came up here as a child, following him about to observe what he did and simply taking small bits from him.
As the Cyclones get ready for their season opening against Big 12 rival Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland on August 23, Patton is sharing his insights and motivation in the form of Lego-like bricks, and he’s not the only one. Jontez Williams, a cornerback, is following suit.
The second-team All-Big 12 selection stated that he was simply attempting to be more outspoken. pointing out anything I come across. Just don’t forget (any) details.
ISU’s whole secondary, which includes welcomes back standout starting safety Jeremiah Cooper, who has practiced at the corner spot during fall camp, may be in the same boat. Cooper is still a safety, but cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat and safety coach Deon Broomfield emphasized that his speed and adaptability may make him useful in a number of packages.
Broomfield stated, “I think you just try to put him in the best situations that you can put him in when you have a guy (who) has the hips (and) the speed.” He has top-end vertical speed if you only look at his skill set, short-area quickness, and change of direction. He also has excellent zone coverage awareness, which is why he has been able to make some plays with the ball.
Cooper recorded five interceptions in 2023, good for sixth place nationally, and added two more last season. Last season, Williams caught four selections that were among the top 25 in the country. As a result, the Cyclones, who tied for 22nd place nationally in turnover margin last season at plus-.64 per game, have exceptional ball-hawking abilities.
Cooper added, “I can’t let it get to my head.” It’s a new season, therefore you have to keep working. Nothing is certain. That’s what head coach Matt Campbell always says. You have to work for what you want, and tackles won’t come to me; interceptions won’t come to me. I really must continue to work.
The same mindset permeates ISU’s secondary and a number of its younger players, including David Coffey, Quentin Taylor Jr., and Beni Ngoyi, a former wide receiver, at cornerback, and Marcus Neal, Ta Shawn James, and Drew Surges at safety.
Ngoyi remarked, “I think we have a pretty deep room.” There is a ballplayer in every room.
So is Patton, whose love of Lego is overshadowed by his enthusiasm for football. Just as he has put together complex Marvel-themed projects like a Super Mario Lego set with moving elements, he has gradually built himself up.
According to Broomfield, he can be as good as he wishes to be. He accomplishes all of the things you said that don’t require skill to be a good player. He has always done excellent work, and now it is beginning to show on the football field.
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