Hays High School (Buda, Texas) defensive tackle Kiefer Patterson is a force to be reckoned with on the interior. At 6’2, 270 pounds, Patterson is strong indicated by his 315-pound bench press and 445 squat maxes but he also has the lateral agility to go sideline to sideline chasing ball carriers with his 5.23/40 speed. Patterson has a high IQ of the game and is outstanding in stopping the run. His size, explosiveness, and strength make it tough for centers or guards to not only get to the second level on run plays, but to just block in general. Those traits allowed him to have a productive junior season making 2nd Team All-District on the football field. With a 3.0 GPA, Patterson also was an Academic All-District selection showcasing his hard work ethic on and off the field. As of now, Kiefer Patterson has not received any offers, but he has received some interest from several DI programs. He has worked hard this offseason to get ready for the collegiate level and because of his dedication to his craft on the field and in the classroom, has also been invited to play in the 2026 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, which will be played at the end of the year on December 30th at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville, Louisiana. Get to know this run stuffer from Texas below!
What are your biggest strengths to your game?
“My biggest strengths are my size, strength, determination, and work ethic. I excel at defending against the run, using explosive power off the line, and winning battles with my hands in the trenches. I take pride in being physical, disruptive, and making it difficult for offenses to establish their run game.”
What are areas to your game that you need to improve on?
“I’m always looking for ways to improve. One area I continue to work on is consistently defeating double and triple teams. While I’ve had a lot of success against them, I want to be dominant every time I face that challenge. I also want to improve my ability to finish plays in the backfield. There have been times when I’ve been just a step away from making a game changing play, and I’m focused on turning those opportunities into results.”
How has the recruiting process been for you?
“The recruiting process has been exciting and motivating. Several Division I programs have shown interest in me including Texas State University, UTEP Miners, Prairie View A&M, and Southern. I’m continuing to work hard and build relationships with coaches while pursuing every opportunity to play at the next level.”
Is there a particular college you want to attend and why?
“Texas State has always been a school that stands out to me because several members of my family attended there, and it’s close to home. That said, I would be grateful for any opportunity at any Division I program and would also strongly consider Division II and Division III opportunities that are the right fit academically and athletically.”
What are your goals for your senior season?
“My goal is to prove that I am ready to compete at the collegiate level. I want to help my team win games, continue developing as a player, and show college coaches that I have the talent, work ethic, and determination to succeed at the next level.”
What have you been doing in the offseason to get better?
“I train every day to improve my performance. I work out daily, wear a 45 pound weighted vest throughout the day, lift weights 5-6 times per week, and train with a personal strength and conditioning coach who played Division I football at the University of Kansas. My focus is on getting stronger, faster, and more explosive every offseason.”
Is there one particular game that stands out to you over your prep career?
“The games that stand out the most are the ones where I’m able to make impactful plays such as sacks and tackles for loss while seeing our team execute together at a high level. There’s nothing better than watching great coaching, teamwork, and preparation come together on game day.”
Is there a college or NFL player that you model your game after?
“I study Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett because of their explosiveness, technique, motor, and ability to dominate games. I admire how hard they work and how disruptive they are on every snap.”
Do you play any other sports besides football?
“Football is my primary focus and the only sport I currently play. Dedicating myself fully to football allows me to maximize my training, conditioning, and skill development year-round.”
What do you want to do career wise once your playing days are over?
“After football, I am interested in pursuing a career in either real estate or the insurance industry. Both fields appeal to me because they involve building relationships, helping people, and creating opportunities for long term success.”
What is your message to college coaches on why they should recruit you?
“College coaches should recruit me because I bring commitment, dedication, strength, size, talent, coachability, reliability, and strong character to every program I am a part of. I am willing to work hard, learn, and do whatever is needed to help my team succeed. I take pride in being dependable, respectful, and representing my school, teammates, and coaches the right way both on and off the field.”
Congratulations! You have been invited to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game at the end of the season. What does getting an opportunity to play in our bowl game in front of college coaches mean to you?
“Being invited to play in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl would be a tremendous honor. It would be an opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the country while showcasing my abilities in front of college coaches. More importantly, it would be a chance to represent my family, teammates, coaches, and community while continuing to pursue my dream of playing college football.”