Patrick Selected by the Saints in the Third Round
April 29, 2011 | Football
April 29, 2011
Deland, Fla. - After a long night waiting by the phone and wondering what his future would hold, University of Louisville cornerback Johnny Patrick received his answer when he was selected with the 24th pick in the third round by the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League Draft on Friday evening.
In his hometown of Deland, Fla., with about 30 friends and family, Patrick received the call that would change his life forever. A phone call from the Saints organization that recently won the Super Bowl a couple of seasons ago.
"I am so excited," said Patrick. "New Orleans is a great organization and I am thrilled to be going there. I was sitting here all day by myself while others were here and I was getting frustrated."
Added Patrick,"But I knew God had a plan for me and I'm thrilled that it's with the Saints. I gave all the thanks to head coach Charlie Strong, defensive coordinator Vance Bedford and defensive line coach Clint Hurtt. They helped make me the player I am today. I want to thank Tom Jurich for bringing that staff in. I am so blessed right now and can't wait to get down there."
Patrick was a three-year starter for the Cardinals at cornerback and just finished his most productive season in 2010. Leading the Cardinals to their first winning season since 2006 and a win in the Beef 'O'Brady's Bowl,Patrick started all 13 games and was fifth on the team in tackles with 49 and led the squad with a career-best five interceptions.He helped the Cardinals earn a trip to post-season play when he returned an interception for a touchdown.
He earned first team All-BIG EAST accolades this season and was named a third team All-American by Phil Steele's Magazine.
For his career, Patrick started 41 games and closed out his stellar tenure with 171 tackles and eight interceptions.
Patrick said the Saints have yet to tell him his travel plans for visiting the organization, but said team officials would contact him in the next couple of days.
The former Deland High School standout is the first Cardinal drafted since Eric Wood and George Bussey were selected in 2009.
