They do look into stuff like that. You don't pass-up on elite athletes in your backyard though. Even if there are some concerns, you hope that the added structure and more detailed coaching will help him adapt. Also, high school coaches ain't always honest with college recruiters. They sell their kids. (not saying that's what happened here though)
This is not a missed eval by the staff.
Patterson was a take for almost every coach in the country, including coaches who produce NFL DB's every year. This is exactly why it's important to stack elite talent, because some will pan-out and some will fold under the demands of college football. Happens everywhere.
Would you have passed up on James Williams?
Cause he had the same exact issues.