UNC’s Jaiden Patterson Leans on Thad Dixon, Banks on Versatility to Contribute

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — When cornerback Thad Dixon hobbled off to the sideline late in the first half of Clemson’s drubbing of North Carolina five weeks ago, Tar Heel fans were reminded things could, in fact, go from bad to worse.

A defense that had been surrendering an average of 40 points and more than 450 yards to Power Four opponents now was without one of its best players — and a team captain — indefinitely.

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But in Dixon’s absence, Jaiden Patterson has stepped up, aiding in the improvement of a UNC defense that has allowed an average of just 16 points and fewer than 250 total yards per game across the last three games.

The sophomore from Dacula, Ga., was recruited to the Tar Heels as a safety but has started the last three games at corner with Dixon still on the mend.

“Coach Brian (Belichick) preached as soon as he got here, and Coach Steve (Belichick), that you have to show you’re versatile,” Patterson said Thursday at Kenan Football Center.

“All the defensive backs know what the corner has to do, and they know what the ‘star’ has to do, and they know what the safety has to do. You show that you know and you’re paying attention and you know what they’re doing — writing everything down in film — they’re going to trust you to play whatever position you can excel at.”

Patterson has recorded 15 tackles, including one for lost yardage, and broken up three passes since being called into more action. He’s playing at a level that could earn him continued reps when Dixon returns.

“I wasn’t as intimidated,” Patterson said about how he felt making the position switch. “I was pretty confident because the coaches put us in position to succeed. Throughout the weeks, he (Brian Belichick), would say, ‘hey, who wants a corner rep?’ You just go up there, you try corner. So I feel like they really put us in spots where we can excel. So I wasn’t as intimidated.”

While the Tar Heels (3-5 overall, 1-3 ACC) certainly have missed Dixon’s presence on the field, he has continued to make an impact from the sidelines.

“He’s been great as a player-coach,” Patterson said of Dixon. “He’s been telling me all these technique things. We have the little tablets on the sideline and he tells me what to look for, like a receiver’s release. He’s really stepped up. He’s been that mentor like he was at the beginning of the season, too, and he’s just been sticking to it.”

Along with Dixon’s ability, his experience makes his voice valuable.

“He just teaches you everything that you need to know and it really builds you as a player and gives you the confidence,” Patterson said, “because you know he was able to do it, so now you can be able to do it, too. He’s had a lot of experience at defensive back. Obviously at Washington, they were on a national (championship) level, and I think that really helps him be able to excel.”

Watch below for Thursday’s full interview with Patterson, as the Tar Heels prepare to meet Stanford on Saturday at Kenan Stadium.