Interview: 4-Star 2022 Virginia RB George Pettaway Updates Recruiting and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For three seasons already, Class of 2022 running back George Pettaway has gotten after it on the field against Virginia defenses. After a breakout 2017 season, Pettaway carried the rock 69 times for 877 yards with 11 scores and pulled in 11 passes for 118 yards as a freshman. His 2019 season with Nansemond Suffolk Academy was limited to five games, but in those games he was building up a monster season with 516 rush yards on just 39 totes with nine scores posted and developed his all-purpose nature even more with 222 yards off 11 receptions with one more touchdown. The play and skill have brought 23 offers to the table for Pettaway along with four-star recruiting status.
Ahead of another big season with college football programs across the country watching, Pettaway took time to update us on his workouts and how Virginia high school football is going forward this fall.
*Click link for May 10 RNG interview with George Pettaway
Interview
George, how are the offseason workouts coming along at running back?
They’ve been going good. I have been getting my strength work in while working on my stability and core. I have been working out with a former NFL running, he is my trainer. He helps me with all those drills.
That’s great that you are getting one-on-on instruction from a former NFL running back. What drills is he putting you through to help prepare for the 2020 season?
We’ve been working on all types of things. We’ve been breaking it down to carrying the ball carries, my steps, and all the things you have to consider to be an elite running back.
With all of that work, where are you showing the improvements in your game this offseason?
Definitely with my cuts. I am better understanding where defenders will be and having patience in and out of the holes, letting play develop, and showing better overall footwork.
How have you been adding more speed and power to your game this spring and summer?
I do a lot of speed training, working a lot on my footwork, and 40 prep. We go hard core in the weight room; we are doing everything in the weight room you can imagine and we are switching it up all the time.
Have you maxed out in the weight room this summer?
No, not really. I know my bench jumped from 230 in April to 270 in June.
Last we spoke you were planning on getting some touches as a slot and wide out, how have you worked to expand your game in those roles?
When we do running back drills, we also work on my overall game. We are also doing receiver drills to get the slot down and coming out of the backfield. I am working on every route, getting in and out of the routes, and my get off.
What is the plan for the upcoming season in Virginia? When does the season begin?
We can’t play until Feb. 1st.
With your offseason extended, what goals have you set for the fall and winter months?
To keep getting better, stay focused, and getting ready for the season with no drop off. Once we are allowed to go, I want to get straight into it without any problems.
Let’s close on recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
Cal, Oregon, Notre Dame, Clemson, South Carolina, USC, and Arizona State.
How many offers have been extended?
Twenty-three.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Michigan, Mississippi State, Louisville, North Carolina, and Alabama.
Pettaway’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Buffalo, East Carolina, Florida, Liberty, Louisville, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Nebraska, North Carolina, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wake Forest, West Virginia, and Hampton (basketball)
Have you taken any virtual visits this spring or summer?
Yes, I have taken virtual visits with Florida, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Virginia and I have done Zoom visits with a lot of schools.
When allowed, have you started making a list of the in-person visits you liked to take?
All schools showing interest in me I want to visit. I want to learn and see as much as I can about each school.
George, always great catching up with you. Wishing you more success this fall preparing for the upcoming season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Pettaway family; George Pettaway at an Under Armour Camp