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Four years ago, Kelson Patterson had never played a down of competitive football.

On Wednesday, the 6-foot-6, 303-pound tackle signed his National Letter of Intent to play for the Division I-AA University of Rhode Island.

"I never thought I would get this opportunity," said Patterson, an All-Gazette second-team selection who chose the Rams over Richmond (Va.) and New Hampshire. "My senior year, people started always saying I might go somewhere. I started believing and working harder, and here I am."

Prior to the University of Maryland's football camp last summer, Patterson had never realistically considered receiving a free college education for playing a sport he loves. But after the half-week camp, several NCAA coaches took notice of his size and potential.

Rhode Island head coach Darren Rizzi and offensive line coach Roy Istvan took particular interest and immediately clicked with the family. They offered Patterson a full scholarship and promised him an opportunity to compete for playing time as a freshman.

"Fifty percent of it was just gut feeling," said Patterson. "I went to URI on my official visit and the people, the place, everything felt right. I had no problem making that decision. They were 3-9 last year, but want to win a championship. I want to be there when they do."

Patterson's football career did not get off to a good start as a freshman at Einstein. After years of trying to convince his mom, Janette, to let him play, Patterson suffered a serious back injury early in the season. He also struggled with academics.

Janette had her son transfer to Parkmont, a small private school in Washington, D.C, to focus on his studies. After a long year of physical therapy, visits to the orthopedic surgeon and improving grades, Patterson returned to his friends and football career at Einstein.

But before he could resume playing, his mom wanted to ensure he would be welcomed back under healthy and supportive circumstances for student-athletes.

Enter Einstein head coach Mike Bonavia, who was in his second year at the time.

"I called Mike Bonavia that spring and said, ‘My son wants to go back. He's 6-foot-5, about 260 pounds and likes to eat,'" said Janette. "Coach B. started screaming, ‘Bring him in. Bring him in.' Bonavia arranged a meeting with Principal [James] Fernandez and helped Kelson settle in to do well in school. …

"It's been such a good experience playing football for Kelson. I was so nervous too for his safety and academics. It's been a real success story."

According to Bonavia, Patterson is the first Titans player to sign a Division I football scholarship directly out of high school since 1967, when Richard "Eyes" Eisenacher committed to play quarterback at Auburn.

It's been a decade since Einstein produced a Division I player at all. In the late 1990s, running back Umar Ferguson sat out for two years before playing at Temple University (Pa.), while tight end/wide receiver Victor Sesay attended prep school before seeing action at University of Missouri. Quarterback Serge Sejour, also from those teams, played at Howard University.

"This is a big day for school, administration and community," said Bonavia. "Honestly, I didn't think this would happen. I knew Kelson had a big frame, but a skinny frame. What you look at now is an inch or two shorter and 33 pounds less two years ago."

Patterson's dedication on and off the field manifested this past season, as he was voted Most Valuable Player by his teammates and helped the Titans finish 5-5, their best record since 2000. The co-captain anchored an offensive line that opened holes for the county's leading rusher, All-Gazette first-team selection Malcolm Crockett (1,506 yards).

"I thought he was going to make a nice impact at this school," at Bonavia, "but not an impact in the county or region that somebody would come down, look at him and say: ‘We want you to play Division I football.' He has worked his tail off and deserves it."