Patterson is new defensive coordinator on Colzie’s staff
Photo by FAMU athletics
Special to the Outlook
Just ahead of the start of spring football practice, FAMU’s new head football coach James Colzie III continued to organize his staff. His latest promotion from within is Milton Patterson to defensive coordinator/linebackers coach.
The Rattlers started spring practice on Tuesday. The annual spring game is scheduled for April 13.
“We are pleased to announce Milton Patterson as our new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach as the new leader of our Dark Cloud Defense,” said Colzie. “Milton has been a vital defensive staff member that has had multiple FCS All-Americans and numerous All-SWAC selections. We will have minimal changes in our defensive philosophy as the goal remains the same…be the best defense in the nation.”
Patterson has added the title of defensive coordinator while also moving from the defensive line to the linebackers.
“It is a privilege to lead the Dark Cloud Defense here at Florida A&M University,” said Patterson. “I am honored that Coach Colzie has entrusted me with this new role and opportunity. An opportunity that I, the staff, and our student-athletes understand requires a daily commitment to greatness as we look to repeat success this 2024 season.”
Patterson has been part of the Dark Cloud Defense since 2021 and saw their best performance as a unit last season as they ranked in the top 25 in 12 defensive categories, including the number one passing efficiency defense and the number two total defense and scoring defense.
In 2022, the defense ranked in the top 25 in six defensive categories; in 2021, it ranked in the top 25 in 13 defensive categories.
Patterson played a pivotal role in the development of Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Isaiah Land his last two seasons as a Rattler. In 2021, Land had one of the best defensive seasons in Rattlers history and became the first and only Rattler to earn the Buck Buchanan Award (National FCS Defensive Player of the Year) after he finished the 2021 season with 25.5 tackles for loss and 19 sacks.
Land, who also set a program record with five sacks versus South Carolina State, was SWAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.
Patterson has led a defensive line group that has ranked in the top 10 for sacks (fourth in 2021), (seventh in 2022), (10th in 2023) and tackles for loss (10th in 2021, (ninth in 2022), and (third in 2023).
Patterson helped coach a defense that has featured the 2023 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year in linebacker Isaiah Major, the 2021 Buck Buchanan Award Winner and SWAC Defensive Player of the Year Isaiah Land, and 17 All-SWAC selections, including seven defensive linemen in three seasons.
