JimBob
10-29-2008, 09:11 AM
Up close: Brandon Pettigrew
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
10/29/2008
Last Modified: 10/29/2008 2:58 AM
The obvious components in a successful rushing day at Texas were: the backs ran effectively and the offensive line blocked effectively.
A third factor was the presence of tight end Brandon Pettigrew.
His contribution was substantial as Oklahoma State ran for 217 yards against a Texas defense that had allowed only 48 rushing yards per game.
In the 28-24 defeat at Texas, Pettigrew was a difference-maker with his blocking and was also OSU's top receiver (eight catches, 83 yards).
Asked whether he culled any satisfaction from taking No. 1 Texas to the final play of the game, Pettigrew replied, "No. That game makes me sick. It was a hard-fought game, but it was hard to swallow."
Within the Cowboy program, Pettigrew is hailed as a great blocker.
NFL scouts love the 6-foot-6, 260-pound senior because he runs well and has outstanding hands, and also because he is a willing and able blocker.
"If you watch the game tapes, it was like he was knocking someone down on every play," Cowboy quarterback Zac Robinson said. "It started on the first play.
"I came out on the bootleg, and he knocked his guy down and set the tone from there with his blocking. He was a huge part of why we were successful."
Pettigrew missed three games because of a sprained ankle, and in those three games (Troy, Texas A&M, Missouri), OSU got only four catches from the tight end position. At Texas, Pettigrew was heavily involved in the passing game.
"We thought we could go to (Pettigrew), and if they didn't adjust, we'd keep going to him," Robinson said.
"He was open. He kept making plays."
You were injured during a midweek practice, during the off week in September. Did you immediately realize it was a significant sprain?
It hurt really bad, but I thought it was a regular ankle sprain ice it and play through it. I didn't think it was serious. Of course, I wanted to play as soon as possible. But the coaches held me out They wanted to make sure I was OK.
What was it like to watch the Troy, Texas A&M and Missouri wins?
Three weeks felt like an eternity. It was frustrating.
You were on the field for 40 plays against Baylor (Oct. 18) and 67 plays against Texas. Are you still in pain?
The pain is still there. You just have to play through it.
At Texas, did you expect to be used so prominently in the passing game?
I figured Zac would try to get it to me a little more. We knew that Texas would try to double up on Dez (Bryant).
Favorite NFL tight end?
Jason Witten (of the Dallas Cowboys). He plays hard every snap. That's what ballers do, man. He's definitely a baller. A complete tight end.
PETTIGREW FACTS
Position: Tight end
Class: Sr.
Height: 6-6
Weight: 260
Hometown: Tyler, Texas
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
10/29/2008
Last Modified: 10/29/2008 2:58 AM
The obvious components in a successful rushing day at Texas were: the backs ran effectively and the offensive line blocked effectively.
A third factor was the presence of tight end Brandon Pettigrew.
His contribution was substantial as Oklahoma State ran for 217 yards against a Texas defense that had allowed only 48 rushing yards per game.
In the 28-24 defeat at Texas, Pettigrew was a difference-maker with his blocking and was also OSU's top receiver (eight catches, 83 yards).
Asked whether he culled any satisfaction from taking No. 1 Texas to the final play of the game, Pettigrew replied, "No. That game makes me sick. It was a hard-fought game, but it was hard to swallow."
Within the Cowboy program, Pettigrew is hailed as a great blocker.
NFL scouts love the 6-foot-6, 260-pound senior because he runs well and has outstanding hands, and also because he is a willing and able blocker.
"If you watch the game tapes, it was like he was knocking someone down on every play," Cowboy quarterback Zac Robinson said. "It started on the first play.
"I came out on the bootleg, and he knocked his guy down and set the tone from there with his blocking. He was a huge part of why we were successful."
Pettigrew missed three games because of a sprained ankle, and in those three games (Troy, Texas A&M, Missouri), OSU got only four catches from the tight end position. At Texas, Pettigrew was heavily involved in the passing game.
"We thought we could go to (Pettigrew), and if they didn't adjust, we'd keep going to him," Robinson said.
"He was open. He kept making plays."
You were injured during a midweek practice, during the off week in September. Did you immediately realize it was a significant sprain?
It hurt really bad, but I thought it was a regular ankle sprain ice it and play through it. I didn't think it was serious. Of course, I wanted to play as soon as possible. But the coaches held me out They wanted to make sure I was OK.
What was it like to watch the Troy, Texas A&M and Missouri wins?
Three weeks felt like an eternity. It was frustrating.
You were on the field for 40 plays against Baylor (Oct. 18) and 67 plays against Texas. Are you still in pain?
The pain is still there. You just have to play through it.
At Texas, did you expect to be used so prominently in the passing game?
I figured Zac would try to get it to me a little more. We knew that Texas would try to double up on Dez (Bryant).
Favorite NFL tight end?
Jason Witten (of the Dallas Cowboys). He plays hard every snap. That's what ballers do, man. He's definitely a baller. A complete tight end.
PETTIGREW FACTS
Position: Tight end
Class: Sr.
Height: 6-6
Weight: 260
Hometown: Tyler, Texas