After four seasons at Duke, including three with the varsity as an H-back, Patrick decided to transfer to the University of Delaware for his final college season in 2006. As a Blue Devil, Patrick never had a quality quarterback to get the ball to him, and his decision to transfer proved to be a wise move as he went on to lead all Division 1-AA tight ends in receiving as a senior.

At Jenkins High School, Patrick was rated the 15th-best tight end prospect in the country by Rivals.com. He was rated the second-best tight and 41st-best overall prospect in the state of Georgia by Super Prep. The Georgia High School Coaches Association named him the Southeast Georgia Player of the Year in 2001, as he also garnered All-City and All-Southeast Region accolades from Super Prep.

The team Most Valuable Player competed as a quarterback, tight end, linebacker and punter in 2001. He led the team in passing yards, receptions and tackles that season. Patrick also lettered in baseball and basketball.

Patrick enrolled at Duke in 2002, spending the season on the scout team adjusting to playing tight end. In 2003, he was a third-team Freshman All-American selection by The Sporting News. He appeared in 10 games, starting against North Carolina. The redshirt freshman finished fifth on the team with 17 catches for 218 yards (12.8 avg) and one touchdown. He was named a co-recipient of the team's inaugural Challenge Award.

In 2004, Patrick started six of 11 games at H-back. The team captain became only the third tight end in 30 seasons to lead the team in receptions, catching 32 passes for 311 yards (9.7 avg) and a touchdown. In 2005, he started eight of 10 games, leading the team for the second consecutive year with 252 yards on 30 catches (8.4 avg).

Patrick transferred to Delaware for the 2006 season. For the third time in his career, he led his team in receptions and also led the Division 1-AA tight ends with a career-high 64 catches for 639 yards (10.0 avg) and six touchdowns.

In 31 games at Duke, Patrick started 15 times. He gained 781 yards with two touchdowns on 79 catches (9.9 avg) and also recorded one solo tackle. For his collegiate career, Patrick started 24 of 42 games. He caught 143 passes for 1,420 yards (10.3 avg), including eight touchdowns.

Positives: Has a thick frame with adequate muscle tone, smooth skin, good chest and arm thickness, good bubble, big shoulders and good upper body muscles with a frame that could carry at least another 10 pounds of bulk … Compensates for a lack of speed with good balance and body control through his route progression … Has good balance with the ball in his hands, running with a normal stride … His body control, hand/eye coordination and large hands will generally see him catch most balls away from his frame … His hands and size give quarterbacks a good short-area target, as he can bounce off defenders … Knows how to use his size and reach to get a clean push off the jam and is too big for second-level defenders to attempt to try and reroute him … Best when sitting down underneath … Knows how to use his body to push and leverage defenders and while no explosion is evident, he does a good job of using his frame to shield the ball from defenders … When he uses his body and squares his shoulders, Anderson is a load to bring down in isolated coverage … Won't win any foot races, so he has to use his power base to break tackles … Has good balance and body lean to gain valid yardage after the catch … Too stiff to extend and reach for the ball at its high point, but does have the ability to look the ball in and catch away from the frame … Does a good job of squaring his shoulders after the catch and has the functional flexibility (yet has stiff hips), to turn and run with the ball … Might show some flinch working in a crowd, but he has no problems catching outside his frame … Gets most of his separation by squaring his shoulders and generating the leg drive to break tackles.

Negatives: Methodical mover who lacks suddenness or good timed speed, but is effective getting a clean release and into his routes when working in the short area … Despite his size, Patrick is more of a finesse type who will shy away from contact, especially when asked to block … Has good strength, but seems to lack the desire to sustain and defenders can push him back into the pocket, making him a liability in pass protection … Lacks the quick-twitch moves or second gear to get into his routes quickly … Labors when running longer routes and is better served working in the short area over the middle than having him attack the second level … Doesn't have the speed to separate or the loose hips to elude … Has good hand/eye coordination, but seems to back off confrontations in a crowd … Has the upper body strength to make reach blocks or neutralize linebackers at the second level, but lacks the lower body strength and hand placement to lock on and sustain when blocking along the line … Gets too narrow in his stance and lacks good footwork in his kick slide.

Compares To: MIKE SEIDMAN-Carolina … Patrick is a very inviting short-area target with natural hands and the size to shield the ball from defenders. He lacks good technique and urgency as a blocker, and does not have the valid speed to be a vertical threat. He is best when used on controlled or underneath routes, as he shows good ball security.

In the 2005 Duke/Clemson game, Patrick (100) and Eron Riley (130) became the 10th tandem in Duke history to both gain 100 yards receiving in the same game, joining Ron Frederick (135) and Cedric Jones (104) vs. Wake Forest in 1980; Scott Russell (102) and Doug Green (101) vs. North Carolina in 1983; Clarkston Hines (187) and Dave Colonna (101) vs. North Carolina State in 1987; Hines (108) and Walter Jones (139) vs. The Citadel in 1988; Hines (104) and Roger Boone (138) vs. North Carolina in 1988; Aaron Shaw (100) and Marc Mays (101) vs. Northwestern in 1990; Jon Jensen (174) and Bill Khayat (104) vs. North Carolina in 1994; Marc Wilson (156) and Corey Thomas (132) vs. Virginia in 1995; and Scottie Montgomery (121) and Richmond Flowers (173) vs. Maryland in 1999 … Patrick led Duke in receptions in 2004, becoming only the third tight end in the team's last 30 seasons to accomplish that feat, joining Bill Khayat (1994) and Mike Hart (2000) … Patrick again led Duke in receptions in 2005, becoming the first tight end in school annals to accomplish that feat twice in a career … His 64 receptions at Delaware in 2006 broke the school single-season record for tight ends, first set by Brian Adam (48 in 1977) … Patrick played in the 2007 Hula Bowl, becoming the first Delaware player to compete in that all-star contest … His 64 catches in 2006 rank fourth overall on Delaware's single-season record list, surpassed only by Eddie Conti (91 in 1998), David Boler (68 in 2004) and Justin Long (65 in 2004).

All-American first-team selection and rated the best tight end prospect in the NCAA Division 1-AA ranks by The NFL Draft Report … All-Atlantic Ten Conference first-team pick … Led the Division 1-AA tight ends in receptions (5.82 rpg, ranks 16th overall) and yardage (58.09) per game … One of thirty semi-finalists for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation's top tight end … Broke the old school single-season record for tight ends and became only the second tight end in school history to lead the team, as he caught 64 passes for 639 yards (10.0 avg) and six touchdowns … His 64 receptions broke the school tight end record first set by Brian Adam (48 in 1977) … His 64 catches rank fourth overall on Delaware's single-season record list, surpassed only by Eddie Conti (91 in 1998), David Boler (68 in 2004) and Justin Long (65 in 2004) … Of the 79 passes targeted to him, five of those throws were deflected by the opposition … 34 of his catches produced first downs, as he converted 9-of-16 third-down plays … Did not convert any of two fourth-down throws … Had four receptions for 20 yards or longer and caught 9-of-11 passes thrown to him inside the red zone, including eight on goal-line plays … Had big plays that set up twelve touchdown drives and one more that resulted in a field goal … Was limited in August camp by a foot sprain, seeing reserve action in the team's first two games.

West Chester … Made his Delaware debut with two catches for 6 yards … His first grab for the Fightin' Blue Hens was a 4-yarder on a screen pass from QB Joe Flacco … Head to Head Competition-SS#10-Anthony Belasco-One assisted tackle.

Albany … Added 29 yards on four catches, registering his first first-down in a Delaware uniform on a 12-yard grab in the first quarter … His 12-yarder in the third quarter set up Omar Cuff's 1-yard touchdown run that capped a 17-play, 87-yard drive … Head to Head Competition-SS#21-Dave Nicomini-Five tackles (3 solos).

Rhode Island … Ben started his first game at Delaware, coming up with four first downs among his six catches, gaining 91 yards for the day … During a mid first quarter drive, he had a 14-yarder, a 10-yard catch, a 9-yard gain on a third-&-4 throw, but then dropped a fourth-&-6 toss from Joe Flacco to end that 52-yard, 10-play drive … His 44-yarder in the fourth quarter set up Flacco's game-winning 3-yard touchdown run with 6:51 left to play …

Head to Head Competition-SS#3-Raquan Pride-Three tackles (2 solos).

New Hampshire … Patrick snared five passes, including four that produced first downs, good for 66 yards and a touchdown. Two of his grabs came on goal-line plays … His 48-yard gain on a third-&-2 toss from Joe Flacco was followed by the QB's 10-yard scoring strike to Ben on a second-&-goal play in the first quarter … Patrick's second-&-goal 9-yard grab set up Omar Cuff's 1-yard scoring plunge that ended a 16-play, 71-yard drive at the start of the fourth quarter … Head to Head Competition-SS#23-Chris Callison-No tackles (did prevent Patrick from catching three throws).

Northeastern … Ben collected five passes for 66 yards and a touchdown … His 20, 6 & 6-yard receptions (second 6-yarder came on a third-&-goal play that was downed at the NU 1) set up Jared Bradley's 1-yard touchdown run that finished a 65-yard, 10-play drive midway through the first quarter … A Northeastern pass interference and personal foul penalties called on NU linebacker Craig Kenney after the defender mauled Patrick was followed by Ben's 25-yard catch that gave Delaware field position needed to kick a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter … Ben then grabbed a first-&-goal pass from Joe Flacco for a 9-yard touchdown with one minute left to play … Head to Head Competition-SS#20-Barry Jeanson-Three tackles (2 solos), one pass deflection.

Hofstra … Patrick produced six first downs among his eight receptions, gaining 72 yards …

On the team's game-opening drive, he hauled down 11, 7 & 10-yard passes to set up QB Joe Flacco's 7-yard scoring lob to tight end Robbie Agnone that concluded an 85-yard, 14-play drive … Head to Head Competition-SS#8-Emanuel Anderson-Fourteen tackles (7 solos).

Richmond … Ben gained 35 yards on six catches, converting a third-&-4 pass from Joe Flacco into a 5-yard gain in the first quarter … Defender Lance Gray was charged with a pass interference penalty on a throw targeted to Patrick, setting up Flacco's 11-yard scoring pass to Aaron Love … Patrick's 10-yarder in the fourth quarter was followed by Jared Bradley's 1-yard touchdown run … Head to Head Competition-SS#43-Andrew Harris-Four tackles (3 solos), one pass deflection.

Towson … Ben hauled down seven passes for 74 yards … His 5-yard touchdown catch on a third-&-goal play in the fourth quarter cut the lead to 42-35 with 7:28 remaining, but the Tigers clinched the win when running back Rasheed McClaude scored from 12 yards out to cap a 73-yard drive with 2:35 remaining … Head to Head Competition-SS#6-Tony Lumpkin-Four tackles (one solo-also prevented Patrick from catching three other throws and Towson defenders also deflected two passes intended for Ben).

James Madison … Patrick came up with six receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. Four of his grabs produced first downs, including two inside the red zone … He had 6 & 11-yarders to set up Joe Flacco's 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, followed by an 8-yard scoring snatch on a screen pass from Flacco with 1:59 left to play … Record Watch- Patrick's six catches gave him 53 for the season, breaking the school single-season record for tight ends of 48 catches by Brian Adam in 1977 … Head to Head Competition-SS#34-Marcus Haywood-Seven tackles (2 solos), one pass deflection.

William & Mary … Followed with five catches for 62 yards as a touchdown while producing four first downs … Kept a third quarter drive alive with a 27-yard gain on a third-&-18 catch … On a second-&-goal play at the start of the fourth quarter, QB Joe Flacco lobbed a 9-yard touchdown to Ben in the corner of the end zone … Head to Head Competition-SS#22-David Houff-Four tackles (3 solos), one pass deflection (stopped Patrick from catching two other throws).

Villanova … Patrick closed out his career with six catches for 50 yards and a score … Hooked up with QB Joe Flacco on a 13-yard touchdown in the first quarter, but killed a late second quarter drive when he bobbled a fourth-&-10 incomplete pass from Flacco … He added 5, 14, 10 & 4-yard catches during a 65-yard, 12-play drive late in the fourth quarter, but Delaware's 32-yard field goal attempt was blocked … Head to Head Competition-SS#16-Eugene Clay-No tackles, one pass deflection.

The team captain started eight of ten games at Duke, leading the team for the second consecutive season with 30 receptions for 252 yards (8.4 avg), but did not have any touchdown grabs … He also recorded one solo tackle … Ben switched from jersey #83 to #8 prior to the season opener … He became the first tight end in school history to lead the team in receiving twice in a career … Was nominated for the John Mackey Award, given to the top tight end in college football.

East Carolina … Opened the season with 13 yards on four catches.

Virginia Military Institute … Did not play (coach's decision-no injury reported).

Virginia … Added two catches for 24 yards, including a long of 17.

Navy … Grabbed five passes for 29 yards.

Miami … Limited to a 5-yard grab.

Georgia Tech … Followed with 26 yards on three catches, with a long of 19.

Florida State … Had a 5-yard reception.

Wake Forest … Made a pair of catches for 30 yards, including a 19-yarder.

Clemson … Hauled in a career-high ten passes for his first career 100-yard performance …

Joined Eron Riley (130) to became the tenth tandem in Duke history to both gain 100 yards receiving in the same game.

North Carolina … Closed out his Duke career with 20 yards on a pair of grabs.

Named the team's Outstanding Tight End and served as offensive squad captain … Saw action in eleven games, starting vs. Navy, Virginia Tech, Virginia, Wake Forest, Clemson and North Carolina … Became only the third tight end in the last thirty seasons to lead the team in receiving, catching 32 passes for 311 yards (9.7 avg) and one touchdown, joining

Bill Khayat (1994) and Mike Hart (2000) … Was the only Duke player to catch at least one pass in every game … Competed in 485 plays.

Navy … Opened the season with 16 yards on two catches.

Connecticut … Added 7 yards on a pair of grabs.

Maryland … Scored his only touchdown for the season on a 6-yard reception.

The Citadel … Gained 12 yards on a pair of 6-yard catches.

Georgia Tech … Followed with three receptions for 22 yards.

Virginia … Hauled in five passes for a season-high 97 yards, including a long of 45.

Wake Forest … Made another five catches, good for 39 yards.

Florida State … Had a season-high six receptions for 51 yards.

Clemson … Added 42 yards on three grabs.

North Carolina … Ended the season with two catches for 14 yards.

Freshman All-American third-team and Freshman All-Atlantic Coast Conference first-team selection by The Sporting News … Co-recipient of the team's Challenge Award … Played in ten games, missing the Florida State and Maryland contests … Started vs. North Carolina at H-Back … Finished fifth on the team with seventeen receptions for 218 yards (12.8 avg) and one touchdown.

Virginia … Made his collegiate debut with 30 yards on three catches.

Rice … Caught a pair of passes for 25 yards and a touchdown.

Northwestern … Gained 41 yards on two receptions, including a 22-yarder.

North Carolina State … Had another two catches for 21 yards.

Georgia Tech … Picked up 32 yards on two grabs.

Clemson … Followed with three receptions for 28 yards, including a season-long 26-yarder.

North Carolina … Ended the season with a 16-yard grab.

Redshirted as a freshman, performing on the scout team.

2003: Sat out the Florida State (9/27) and Maryland (10/11) games with a leg contusion.

2005: Did not play vs. Virginia Military Institute (9/17) with an unconfirmed foot sprain.

2006: Limited in August camp with a foot sprain.

Campus: 4.88 seconds in the 40-yard dash … 405-pound bench press … 560-pound squat … 32 3/8-inch arm length … 9 5/8-inch hands.

Attended Jenkins (Savannah, Ga.) High School, playing football for head coach Rick Bond … Rated the 15th-best tight end prospect in the country by Rivals.com … Rated the second-best tight and 41st-best overall prospect in the state of Georgia by Super Prep … The Georgia High School Coaches Association named him the Southeast Georgia Player of the Year in 2001, as he also garnered All-City and All-Southeast Region accolades from Super Prep … The team Most Valuable Player competed as a quarterback, tight end, linebacker and punter in 2001 … Led the team in passing yards, receptions and tackles that season … Also lettered in baseball and basketball.

African/African American Studies major … Son of Jacqueline and Freddie Patrick, Sr … Brother, Freddie, Jr., played football at Chattanooga from 1995-98 and earned GTE Academic All-District honors … Born 8/23/84 … Resides in Savannah, Georgia.