Mistakes in the past, Patrick focused squarely on the future

Choices. We all have to make them. Some turn out right, others, well, mistakes are occasionally made.

It’s how you respond that can determine one’s ultimate path in life.

Take Georgia linebacker Natrez Patrick, for example.

Back on Nov. 4, 2015, Patrick and Chauncey Rivers were arrested on misdemeanor possession of marijuana and was present Dec. 12, 2015 when Rivers was arrested a second time on identical charges, leading to a four-game suspension for the former Stephenson star.

Although Patrick was not charged, the incident left both players at a crossroads. For Rivers, his ending wasn’t a happy one. A third drug-related arrest led to his dismissal from the Bulldog program and Rivers is now attempting to save his career at East Mississippi Junior College.

Patrick, fortunately, took a different path and is primed to play a key role for the Bulldogs this fall at inside linebacker.

“Natrez has done a good job and everything we’ve asked him to do,” Georgia head coach Kirby Smart said earlier this year. “He knows he had to make some changes in his life and make some better decisions. I will say that the Chauncey situation has been tough on Natrez because they were close friends. It’s a little bit of a shock factor (to Patrick) that Chauncey isn’t with us anymore.”

Patrick said it was definitely a lesson learned.

“It was time to make up my mind,” Patrick said after practice Tuesday. “I made the decision that everything that happened was behind me.”

But Patrick still feels for his friend.

The two came to Georgia intent on enjoying four years together in Athens before Rivers’ choices forced him to take a different path.

“Everybody finds their own way,” Patrick said. “I do still keep in contact with him; we still do talk. He’s doing good for himself right now and I’m proud of him.”

Patrick has a lot to be proud of himself.

“I’m blessed for things to have worked out like they did. I’m looking forward. I’m not looking in the rear view,” Patrick said. “I’m looking forward, straight ahead. I’m looking forward for what’s to come.”

His future does appear bright.

Along with junior Reggie Carter and fellow sophomore Roquan Smith, Patrick is expected to be three of the main defensive cogs for Georgia at middle linebacker.

“I think it could be a really good trio,” Patrick said. “All the guys are staying late, getting extra work to make sure we’re on top of our game. We know that we’re the three the coaches have confidence in right now and I think we’re ready.” His confidence is high.

After starting Georgia’s final two games against Georgia Tech and Penn State in the Taxslayer Bowl, Patrick feels he’s ready to take his game to an even higher level.

“I feel like they really helped,” said Patrick, who said he is 100 percent after being bothered with a quad injury early during fall camp. “Anytime you’re on the on the field, you’re playing, you’re getting reps so I feel that really helped me transition to this year.”

That’s not all.

“It’s helped me learning to control the front, making the calls, getting my guys on my side, getting the leadership part of it,” Patrick said. “I think they trust me. I think they’re confident in me.”

It’s under new position coach Glenn Schumann that has helped Patrick’s confidence grow.

“I feel like he’s the mastermind behind it all,” Patrick said. “He’s smart, he makes sure we get in the film room, he makes sure we’re making the right calls, he says we’re the leaders of the defense and whatever we do the rest of the defense will ultimately follow.”