Written By: Coach Buckets
Noah Patell (@noahpatell2028)
Durant HS (Plant City, Florida)
Class of 2028
5’ 8” 145 Lbs.
7v7 Team: 15U Team Elite All The Smoke
Coach Buckets: After watching you be one of the most dominant wide receivers in the 15U division at the DR7 Crown National Championships, I became immediately impressed with your lightning-fast feet, your ability to manipulate defenders, your hands, and your yards-after-catch ability. I noticed there’s been an uptick in your exposure on recruiting sites. Tell us how you perceive the value in playing 7v7 in the spring and how it correlates to success on the recruiting scene.
Noah Patell: “I believe 7v7 is an absolute necessity if you’re a WR trying to get better and perfect your craft. You’re going up every weekend against some of the best defensive backs in the nation from states like Florida, Texas, and Georgia, guys who already hold FBS D1 offers. In 7v7, there’s nowhere to hide. In tackle football, if the O-line isn’t blocking or the QB is getting sacked, that’s out of your control. But in 7v7, if the ball is thrown your way and you drop it everyone sees it. There are no excuses. It’s all on you. That pressure makes you better.”
Coach Buckets: How has your performance at the DR7 National Championship helped increase your exposure?
Noah Patell: “In my opinion, the two tournaments that bring the most exposure are DR7 and Shock Doctor. They’re stacked with talent and top-tier teams. We won both events, the DR7 National Championship and the Shock Doctor National Championship. These weren’t fluke wins, they came against elite competition. Our team is loaded with WR talent, so when your number is called, you have to perform. I had a ton of catches and touchdowns in both events, and it felt great to finally be recognized and get my name out there.”
Coach Buckets: You were injured during your freshman season and had to deal with two hurricanes canceling games, which limited your exposure. What do you personally feel is your greatest asset that might have gone unnoticed until this upcoming fall?
Noah Patell: “I think a lot of people look at the prototypical WR who’s tall and wins on jump balls. That’s great, but my WR coach always reminds me: to succeed at the next level, you have to run crisp routes, beat press coverage, find holes in zone defenses, and adjust your route when your QB needs help. I live by what Jerry Rice once said: “There’s no such thing as a bad pass. If the ball is anywhere near you, it’s your job to catch it.” That’s my mindset. I may not be the tallest WR, but I use the gifts Jesus gave me, quick feet, IQ, hands, and heart—to win my matchups.”
Coach Buckets: What do you feel has led to your success? Are there any coaches, trainers, camps, or showcases that you’d like to shout out?
Noah Patell: “My Dad, hands down, is a huge part of my journey. He played and coached football, and he started teaching me the game when I was just six or seven, with an emphasis on route running, hand drills, and watching film. He showed me how to study WRs and DBs, how to read body language and tendencies. One of the first coaches who really believed in me was Moises Ricart. He’s like a second dad to me. Jermaine Phillips, a UGA and NFL vet, helped elevate my game. I’ve trained with WR coaches like Sean Gavin, Ed Gant, and Caleb Warren, each teaching me different things. For track, Jarrod Macklin helped refine my running mechanics. And I want to shout out Kevin Moses, Matt Whittier, and Mark Daniel (@MISTER_F00TBALL) for believing in me early on.”
Coach Buckets: Who is your mentor or the person who has served as your rock and biggest cheerleader?
Noah Patell: “My Dad is definitely my rock. He’s taken me all over for training, tournaments, and games. He’s taught me to be great on and off the field. My Mom’s always been super supportive, always making sure I have everything I need. And my Grandma, she’s one of my best friends. But my faith is what truly grounds me. My relationship with Jesus helps me stay focused, especially during hard times. I always trust His plan for my life.”
Coach Buckets: Have you attended or do you plan to attend any camps?
Noah Patell: “Yes sir, I’ve been invited to some big-time events. The US Army All-American Game, Offense-Defense All-American Bowl, NXGN, Under Armour, VTO, EA Top 100 Showcase, National Prep Showcase, Polynesian Bowl National Combine, Dream All-American Bowl, and more. This spring I’ll be attending camps at the University of Florida, Florida State, Florida Atlantic, USF, and Webber.”
Coach Buckets: What are some of your dream offers?
Noah Patell: “Definitely Florida, Florida State, USF, North Carolina, Oregon, Georgia, Ole Miss, and South Carolina.”
Coach Buckets: What do you believe are the strongest traits in your game? What do you bring to a team that others might not?
Noah Patell: “I believe my heart and work ethic separate me from others. I’m relentless. I love to train and get better every day. My strengths are route running, agility, separation, press release, zone awareness, adjusting routes on the fly, YAC ability, and having soft but strong hands. I make mistakes like everyone, but my Dad taught me the word amnesia, meaning forget the last play and bounce back strong. I stay humble. I don’t talk trash. My Dad always told me: “Act like you’ve been there before.” Don’t celebrate, make plays so consistently the defender remembers you. That’s how I approach the game.”
“I also prioritize my grades. Football can be taken away in a heartbeat, but your education stays with you. I strive to be a leader on and off the field. I missed my freshman season, but I had a huge 7v7 campaign and now I’m focused on making noise this fall. We’re playing some of the top teams in Florida and I can’t wait to compete. I don’t back down. If I get shut down, I’ll be back the very next play and the one after that. You’ll never see me hide or run. Football’s a game of adversity, and how you respond is what defines you.”
Coach Buckets: Noah, thank you for your time and transparency. You’re a competitor, a student of the game, and a young man with a bright future ahead. We’ll be watching closely this fall.
Noah Patell: “Thank you, Coach. I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me.”
