By: Tom Williams | Sept 18, 2024
Clarksdale, Mississippi – Patrick Broomfield, a former standout at Clarksdale High School (CHS), is now making waves as a cornerback for the Ole Miss Rebels. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 155 pounds, the freshman brings his impressive high school accolades and hard work ethic to the next level.
Broomfield was a 3-star prospect coming out of high school, where he was ranked 810th nationally, the 56th cornerback in the country, and the 18th best player in Mississippi. His high school career culminated in his selection to the prestigious Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game, where he tallied four tackles and snagged an interception. He also earned back-to-back spots on the 2022-2023 Mississippi High School Football Coaches All-State First Team, helping lead CHS to a stellar 10-2 record. Over the season, he recorded 60 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and three interceptions.
When it came time to choose a college, Broomfield had offers from several top programs, including Mississippi State, LSU, and Oregon. However, he ultimately committed to Ole Miss, citing a strong relationship with both the defensive coordinator and head coach Lane Kiffin as key factors in his decision. “I picked Ole Miss because I had a good relationship with the defensive coordinator and Coach Kiffin,” he explained.
Now settling into college life, Broomfield acknowledges the challenges of transitioning from high school to Division I football. “College life is 100 times faster than high school. It’s very competitive, and you have to know your playbook.” Despite the higher level of play, Broomfield wasn’t nervous heading into his first game as a Rebel. “I wasn’t nervous in my first game—I was shocked to see 60,000-plus fans running out of the tunnel,” he said.
Looking ahead, Broomfield is setting both personal and team goals for the future. His personal aim is to continue learning the playbook, while getting faster and stronger on the field. As for his team goals, he’s aiming high: “Our team goal is to win the SEC and a National Championship.”
Broomfield is also looking forward to the annual Egg Bowl, where Ole Miss faces off against Mississippi State. This year’s game will be especially meaningful for him, as he’ll have the chance to face his cousin and former teammate Kelly Jones. When asked about the matchup, Broomfield didn’t hold back: “We will destroy them.”
Broomfield’s journey to Ole Miss is a source of pride for his parents, Patrick Sr. and Virginia Broomfield, as well as for his hometown of Clarksdale. With his strong start and determination to succeed, he’s a player to watch in the seasons to come.
Photo Credit: Patrick Broomfield
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