BIO: All-Conference selection who totaled 45/16/8.5 as a senior.
POSITIVES: Nice-sized defender best making plays up the field. Breaks down well, redirects to the ballcarrier and wraps up tackling. Displays a burst of closing speed and suddenness to his game. Fluid changing direction, displays good footwork moving laterally and immediately alters his angle of attack. Makes plays in any direction of the field. Lined up in a three-point stance last year and rushes the edge with speed.
NEGATIVES: Rarely used in space and does more chasing the action rather then diagnosing the play. Must do a better job protecting himself and become quicker disengaging from blocks.
ANALYSIS: A big athlete who forces the action on the field, Pettaway offers good upside at a variety of positions. Best suited at outside linebacker in a 34 defense, he could develop as a strong-side defender in a conventional system.