Zack Patterson new running backs coach
3/1/2016 3:05:00 PM | Football
Zack Patterson has joined the Sam Houston football staff as running backs coach, completing Bearkat head coach K. C. Keeler's full-time staff just in time for the start of 2016 spring practice.
As offensive coordinator at Slippery Rock in Pennsylvania, Patterson coached the number one scoring offense in NCAA Division II football this past season.
“Zack Patterson is a bright young coach who did a phenomenal job directed a Slippery Rock offense that averaged 45.2 points a game last season,” Keeler said. “He followed in Phil Longo's footsteps at Slippery Rock and will be able to step right in with an understanding of what we do offensively.
“It's great to have our full time staff up to speed as we begin spring ball this month.”
Slippery Rock finished the 2015 season ranked No. 7 nationally after advancing to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals. Patterson has been a member of the football staffs at Slippery Rock that have made three consecutive national playoff appearances. He served as quarterback coach in 2013 and passing game coordinator and QB coach in 2014. He has also served as the university's recruiting coordinator.
Patterson helped direct Slippery Rock to its second consecutive conference championship. The team ranked No. 5 in NCAA Division II total offense (490.3 yards per game) and No. 11 in rushing offense (257.7). The team also led the nation in first downs.
Running back Shamar Green rushed for 1,545 yards to ranked No. 4 in NCAA Division II. Quarterback Dante Nanai was responsible for 210 points and threw for a school record 31 touchdowns.
The 2015 offense set the following single-season program records at SRU: rushing yards (3,608), rushing attempts (741), rushing TDs (46), total offense (6,864), all-purpose yardage (8,599), scoring (633 points) and total TDs (87).
Patterson joined The Rock staff in 2012 after completing a three-year career at Grove City College. As a senior, he started all 10 games at defensive end and led the team with 5.5 quarterback sacks en route to being named as an honorable mention All-Presidents' Athletic Conference performer.
As a junior, Patterson played in 10 games and started nine at defensive end. He was second on the team with 3.5 sacks and helped the Wolverines lead the PAC in total defense.
Patterson also played in all 10 games as a sophomore, a season in which he recorded two sacks. He was a Dean's List student and was named to the PAC Academic Honor Roll.
