In January, the Kansas State football team’s offseason program welcomed a humble young man into the program, ready to put on purple and begin a new chapter. A man described by assistant coach Sean Snyder as a “really good athlete, has great speed and strength and he flies around on the field really well,” would soon prove himself to the coaches as a worthy linebacker.

That young man is junior Da’Quan Patton, a transfer from Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas. Patton was rated the fifth-best community college linebacker in the class of 2017 by ESPN. He recorded 89 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks during his sophomore year in Texas.

Patton, originally a University of California commit, shifted gears to Kansas State after things didn’t work out.

“(K-State) wasn’t in the picture at first,” Patton said. “Things didn’t go as planned, but (K-State) hopped on board and we got this going. (K-State) was involved very fast.”

Prior to coming on a visit to K-State, Patton had some knowledge about the football legacy.

“I have family in Topeka, so I knew about K-State through football,” Patton said. “I work to make my family proud and am inspired by God and I’m happy I can do it here.”

Patton said he has found the differences between playing at a community college and K-State to be significant.

“The biggest difference is the linemen, they’re a lot bigger and stronger here,” Patton said. “There’s also a difference in flow and speed here. (Trinity Valley) carried my work ethic from there to here.”

Senior punter Nick Walsh said he sees Patton as someone with plenty of potential to shine through.

“I don’t have anything but good things to say about (Patton),” Walsh said. “He just came off as a quiet, nice guy. He’s done really good and he’s coachable. I just remember him as a good person.”

Patton said he feels confident he can get on the field as fast as possible, with his talent and attitude to work toward anything. With the help of teammates, he learns defensive plays as fast as he can.

Sophomore defensive back Denzel Goolsby also said Patton is a strong player.

“(Patton) has a big motor; he’s athletic, big, fast and strong,” Goolsby said. “Monday, he broke up a pass across the middle and exploded. It really showed us what he was capable of.”

Fellow linebacker junior Sam Sizelove has motivated Patton and helped him feel welcome as he transitioned to a new team.

“I always make a point to talk to new guys because it’s a lot to take in, I just make sure they know have a lot to learn and it’s okay to ask questions,” Sizelove said.

Sizelove said Patton is full of potential because of his athleticism, skill set and his will to get better.

“Da’Quan is one of the most athletic linebackers I’ve seen, he brings a hammer when he hits people,” Sizelove said. “He is a great guy and teammate and I see a bright future for him. His will to learn stands out a lot.”

Patton’s first chance to perform in front of the fans at K-State will be at the Purple and White Spring Game on April 22.