Interview: Elite 4-Star 2022 Virginia RB George Pettaway Covers Recruiting and Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are great reasons Class of 2022 running back George Pettaway is ranked as the third best at his position in the nation (247Sports), he is as dynamic of a talent as it gets. Pettaway has earned his status the hard way with Nansemond Suffolk Academy (NSA) becoming a reliable player on the field since his freshman season, and as a three-way player. The standout talents that have no ceiling has the full attention of top college football programs.
It is hard to put a simple label on all that Pettaway does on the field. Since the 2017 season he has lit up Virginia defenses rushing for 666 yards off 74 totes with seven scores, kicking it up in 2018 with 877 yards and 11 touchdowns off 69 totes in six games, and posted 516 yards off just 39 carries with nine scores in five games last season. The all-purpose nature for Pettaway has been there from the jump after securing 14 passes for 208 yards with two scores in 2017, then more 11 passes for 118 yards, and 11 more covering 222 with a trip into the end zone in 2019.
Beyond being a next level talent at running back with blazing 4.37 speed, the case could be made for his abilities as a kick and punt returner along with being a Power Five’s No. 1 corner. For all that the 5-11, 180-pound, standout can do for a collegiate roster, 12 offers (13 with a basketball offer from Hampton) have been dropped in the lap of the four-star recruit with the rest of the college football landscape watching.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the Suffolk area native covering his many talents on the field with an in-depth look at his early recruiting process.
Interview
George, you are one guy I would not want to go on a jog with; you would leave me in the dust in the first 20 yards, even on a light jog for you. I have to start off asking how fast are you?
(Laughs) “I was planning on running track this year, but because of the Coronavirus, I did not. Before everything was shut down, I ran a 4.37 and a 4.39 at a UVA (Virginia) camp.”
Wow. That is truly impressive.
“Thank you.”
On the field, the coaches were doing a great job getting you the ball so you could burn the defense with your speed. You were getting outside tosses, what other ways were the coaches feeding you the rock in 2019?
“Some of the other ways were vertical plays and the quick screen in the passing game; that throws the defense off with the middle linebacker in the middle of the defense. Anywhere they can put me to create a mismatch, in the slot or at outside receiver; I do not want to be one dimensional. How the schools will use me is similar to Christian McCaffery (Carolina Panthers). He does so much within the offense, he runs and catches the ball in the passing game.”
Beyond your speed, you are a one-cut and gone back with great field vision. What are some of the other strengths to your game?
“Some of the other strengths to my game is recognizing what the defense is doing. My speed and cuts, as you mentioned, are strengths. One underrated part of my game is my strength and my stiff-arm, along with my spin move as well.”
The physical talents you bring to the field were also showcased on defense 2018 season. Where all did you line up then and what were your roles within the scheme?
“In 2018 I played corner. I was on the island shutting down their best receiver. Doing that, our defense can focus on the run game.”
Will your roles change at all in 2020?
“This season you will see me on defense, hopefully, if my coach allows it. You will also see me at kick and punt return, running back, in the slot and at wide out.”
Since the season ended, what have you been working on with your game?
“A lot of agility and speed. Before the Coronavirus hit, I was getting ready for the camps. The main thing I have been working on this offseason is my strength and balance in the program I am doing.”
What has been your daily routine this spring to stay in football shape?
“When I wake up, before school, I do core work and pushups. After school, I go lift and then I go out to the field to work on my agility and speed. After that, when I get back I do core work and pushups again.”
A couple of minutes ago you mentioned competing at camps, if the college camp season happens, are there any you may attend?
“Yes. Clemson, I was on the phone with them last week; they do not make offers over the phone. Other college camps I may attend, Georgia, Notre Dame, Florida, and all the SEC schools that I could not see this spring.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Notre Dame, Clemson, UNC (North Carolina), Michigan, N.C. State, and Alabama just followed me on Twitter. My coach has it all, and that is all I can think of right now.”
How many offers do you have now?
“Twelve.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
“ODU (Old Dominion) and Penn State.”
Pettaway’s Offer Sheet: Hampton (basketball), Liberty, Maryland, Michigan State, Nebraska, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and West Virginia
Going back to the fall and before the dead period, did you get to take any unofficial visits?
“During the season I visited Notre Dame, UVA, Virginia Tech, and Wake Forest.”
How did the Notre Dame visit turn out?
“It went great. The visit was very organized. They had the tight end from the Minnesota Vikings, Kyle Randolph, talk to us. They also had some senior players and the recruiting coordinator talk to us before the game started. They were telling us what to expect once on campus, what the daily life at Notre Dame is like. We ate and watched the game during the visit. We also went into the locker room, saw the complex and the weight room.”
And the UVA visit, how did that go?
“It was a great visit. I was there for their game against Virginia Tech; that rivalry is crazy. They welcomed us and got straight to it. We saw the game; it was great.”
What about the Virginia Tech visit?
“That was great as well. I was there for their six-overtime game against UNC. The game was super exciting, and the atmosphere was ridiculous. We went on the field and I talked to the position coach during the visit.”
Looking ahead, are there any planned visits on the schedule?
“All the schools that I have not gone to that have offered, Clemson – they are showing genuine interest and, the SEC schools that have not offered yet as well.”
Do you play any other sports for NSA?
“Basketball; I have an offer from Hampton for basketball.”
Time for my exciting virus buster question. What have you been doing this spring to entertain yourself during the quarantine?
“To be honest, when I am not doing school work, I am lifting or working out. I have been kicking it with my Pops; I talk to him about recruiting and his job. I have been watching TV, playing video games, and I also go on runs. Since we are not doing what we normally do, I got outside and run for four miles. Doing that clears my head and allows me to think about the future.”
George, it was a lot of fun covering all this ground with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you continued success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Pettaway family; George Pettaway at UVA and Notre Dame