40 DAYS TO KICKOFF: Ian Patterson

#40 Ian Patterson Redshirt Junior 5-11 | 233 Columbia, Mo. Bio

Position: Kicker Previous College: None Projection: Starter (Kickoffs) Status: Preferred Walk-On

Ian Patterson (Jan. 17, 1994) is a walk-on place-kicker who has handled a majority of the kickoff duties over the last two years. He will look to continue to handle kickoffs while competing for placement-kicking duties, as well.

Patterson played for three seasons at Rock Bridge High School under head coach A.J. Ofodile. He was named an all-district and all-area kicker after connecting on all eight field goals in his senior year, including a long of 47 yards.

After redshirting in 2012, Patterson played in nine games in 2013, handling kickoff duties for a majority of the season while also connecting on 3 of 5 field goals and all 12 extra points.

He made a field goal in each of the final three contests while filling in for the injured Jack Cantele, and he was 4 of 4 on extra points during those games. Plus, he had five touchbacks on eight kickoffs against Texas Tech and TCU.

Patterson appeared in all 13 games last season, serving as the primary kickoff man. He averaged 61.8 yards on his 83 kickoffs, including 25 touchbacks, and earned first-team Academic All-Big 12 honors.

Patterson had a banner day against Kansas, setting new career highs in average (64.8) and touchbacks (7), while tying his career high in kickoffs with 10. He also kicked off 10 times against Stephen F. Austin.

He had four touchbacks against Oklahoma State, and three apiece against Stephen F. Austin and Texas.

Patterson came to us rated 2 1/2 stars for field goals and five stars for kickoffs by National Camp Series.

He prepped with current K-State wide receiver Zach Reuter and studied kicking privately at a camp run by former K-State kicker Brooks Rossman.