Name: Patric Young
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Major: Telecommunications (Production)
Year: Senior
Age: 21
Relationship status: Single; “I’m just being patient — trying to stay focused on life and not really going to force myself into a relationship I’m not ready for.”
Hobbies: “I love doing things for people. I love serving — helping others out in any way that I can. I love just hanging out with friends — just being around people I know where they’re going to laugh. I do love playing video games, of course what guy doesn’t?”
Are you involved in any organizations on campus? “Athletes in Action and No Southern Accent, an a cappella group. We just started rehearsals this week, and we are going to perform next gameday — Tennessee.
Favorite sports teams: “Jaguars — I just like good football; baseball: I’m a Red Sox and a Rays’ fan. I can’t be both can I? Is that possible? I just like the Red Sox and the Rays.”
Favorite places in Gainesville: “Dragonfly. They have the best sushi — the best food. If you come with me to Dragonfly, you will not be disappointed. Mi Apa is definitely up there. The Jones; 101 Brunch.”
Favorite foods: “I love the Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill. Dragonfly’s Dragonfly Roll — nothing compares to that. The Jones Buffalo Burger and breakfast wise— Peach Valley’s Apple Fritters. “
Favorite movies: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Jack Reacher, Black Swan “Stuff like that that’s so original that you really have no idea what direction it’s going to. Movies that aren’t predictable are the type of movies that I like.”
What are the top 3 qualities you look for in a girl? “She has to be a Christian… She has to. She has to be open-minded and trusting.”
What would your ideal girl be like? “I need someone that’s just supportive — would let me lead our relationship the best way that I can. I mean, I know I’m not going to be perfect, but I’m going to steer us in the best direction that I can. Someone that is playful, mature; gotta love sports, of course.”
What’s your idea of a perfect date? “Oh man, I haven’t really thought about that. I guess it would be if I made plans to go out to a nice dinner or something like that. Actually, no— my perfect date idea would be something that lasts all day long — maybe, I would come over and cook breakfast and then maybe we could watch a movie or something like that during the day. Then I would leave and get some type of picnic ready and surprise her with that — we would go out and do that and maybe go for a walk or something like that.“
Did you always want to play basketball? “I don’t know; I first played baseball — up until 10th grade — and I wasn’t always that good at basketball — I couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time. I don’t know if I really dreamed of being a professional at a sport, it was just something I did. It was like my idol — my life revolved around my sport and I just always couldn’t see myself doing anything else, even though I was pretty good with my academics.”
What has been your worst and best pick-up line? “I don’t use pick-up lines; pick-up lines are terrible. I really don’t think I’ve ever used a pick-up line ever in my life because they’re terrible, and they’re lame.”
Do you have any secret talents? “I can sing.”
Who is your celebrity crush? “I’ve got a little crush for Ariana Grande right now. I’ve got a little thing for her — just by the way she can sing. Even though she’s a married woman, Paula Patton. Beyonce is always in the top 5. I’m sure there’s more, but I like to keep it more realistic”
What are some of your turn-offs? “High-wasted shorts. I don’t know; I’m just not a fan. Someone who talks too much and can’t tell when they are talking too much; Bad breath — that’s gotta be everyone’s.
Personality wise? “Cockiness, people that are too flamboyant about what they have. I don’t like that at all. Girls that are selfish or don’t think about other people — just think about themselves.”
What is your favorite song right now? “Ariana Grande of course — ‘The Way’ with Mac Miller.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? “I’ll have my degree, so I will be working. If not in the NBA — NBA is my goal — I don’t know where in the NBA I’ll be as far as city, but hopefully stay in Florida to be close to my family. Somewhere the income tax is not like 30 percent for people that have made money. Maybe San Antonio would be nice — I like their system, and they’re a pretty good team.”
Have you had any embarrassing moments on campus? “I have plenty. I’ve fallen off my teammate’s scooter freshmen year, and I didn’t tell him I fell off, so his scooter was kind of messed up after that. One time, my friend gave me a ride on her scooter, but she let me drive because she’s really small — it would be really hard for her to turn with me in the back. So, I was turning in under the stadium and I didn’t see a bike coming, and a bike ran right into us. It wasn’t funny, but it was funny.”
What advice would you give to other Gators or future Gators? “Don’t waste your time getting caught up in the lifestyle. These four years are about enjoying the college experience, but more importantly it’s a stepping stone for you and your future. Use up every opportunity that you have; network with people, make connections for your future, and just don’t take any day for granted; Don’t overextend yourself to other people; it will wear you out. The truth is: you can’t please everyone. “
What advice would you give to girls about guys? “For young ladies — I would say: don’t settle for less than you think you deserve because he is out there. It just takes guys a lot of time to grow up. And just find your identity, who you want to be, and pursue to be that with all your heart.”
What did you think when you were asked to be campus cutie? “What did I think? I was like… I need to get a haircut. I can’t take a picture looking kinda rough… I felt really nice. It was humbling. I was thankful and grateful to be acknowledged as one of the hottest men on earth… on campus.”