Monticello football coach Rodney Redd says VMI is getting a "diamond in the rough" in Mustangs senior wide receiver Sam Patterson.

Patterson gave a verbal commitment to the FCS-level Keydets on Sunday night, Redd said Monday. Richmond had also been interested, and Redd said Virginia Tech had shown late interest in Patterson as a preferred walk-on.

Patterson had visited VMI earlier this month. He caught 30 passes for 872 yards and nine touchdowns in his first season with the Mustangs in 2011.

National Signing Day, the first day Patterson can make is commitment official by signing his letter of intent with VMI, is February 1.