Patrick Wells is one of the newest members of the Mahoning Valley Thunder.  He has led the team in tackles the past couple of games, and has been a difference maker on a defense that seems to be improving every week.

Wells grew up in Dayton and played his high school football in the Cincy hotbed.  Wells played his college ball in Michigan at Ferris State.  He was recruited to go to camp with the Cleveland Browns after Ferris State.  ” I got calls to go to many camps as the most-recruited guy at Ferris State.”

Wells said he likes the area and really likes eating at Antone’s.  He told me that the fried cheese and chicken parm are out of this world.

Patrick likes to play Call To Duty with QB Brad Roach.  “We got here about the same time and we have gotten to be pretty good friends.”

Wells said he does not have the time to watch too much television.  He will watch Sportscenter when it comes on, but other than that he would rather spend his spare time lifting weights and working out.

Wells is in a retro music mode right now.  He is on a Bone, Thugs, & Harmony kick.  However, with the fast-paced practices and workouts, he said he has been listening to slower and calmer music to unwind.

We briefly discussed the deaths of stars like Steve McNair and Michael Jackson.  I asked Wells who might be next.  “If Eminem died, it would shock people.  He mistreated his body early in his career.  That would be a real suprise.”  Granted, Wells is not wishing death on anyone, just merely doing his best Nostre Damas at my request.

Wells was well-spoken and seemed focused throughout the practice I attended.  He will be around for awhile if the opportunity does not present itself at the higher levels.