EAST LANSING – Jaziun Patterson has spent most of his college career preparing for opportunities he could not be certain would arrive.
That approach served him well Saturday.
When Michigan State lost starting running back Cam Edwards to a season-ending injury against Nebraska, Patterson assumed much of the workload. The Iowa transfer finished with season highs of 16 carries and 54 yards, scoring the Spartans’ only touchdown in a 31-13 loss.
Patterson could remain at the front of Michigan State’s backfield rotation beginning Saturday at Wisconsin, but the expanded opportunity will not change how he prepares.
“I always knew my time could come at any moment,” Patterson said. “You’ve got to be ready for that moment and opportunity. I’d never say my preparation changed.”
Patterson brings a distinctive look to that opportunity.
When he removes his mouthguard, the diamonds covering all of his front teeth are difficult to miss. The dental jewelry was installed by a jeweler in Fort Lauderdale as a fashion statement. It can be removed only by a dentist.
His approach on the field is less decorative...
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