JimBob
01-15-2008, 07:55 AM
Pettigrew stays put at O-State
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
1/15/2008
Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy was the recipient of good news. On Monday, All-Big 12 tight end Brandon Pettigrew decided to remain with the Cowboys for his senior season.
A 6-foot-6, 260-pound junior from Tyler, Texas, Pettigrew had been considering early entry in the NFL Draft. Tuesday is the deadline for underclassmen to make their draft decision. College players become draft-eligible after they are three years removed from high school.
“I thought there was a 50-50 chance that Brandon would leave, but then this year’s draft became so saturated with juniors,” Gundy said. “For next year, I label Brandon as a can’t-miss first-rounder. The way he has developed the last two years, I really expect him to develop even more and become a first-round pick.
“Look at the signing bonuses for first round guys. You’re talking about several million dollars, compared to maybe a thirdrounder who gets $600,000 or $700,000.”
During the 2007 season, Pettigrew had 35 catches for 540 yards and four touchdowns. His highlight plays occurred in the fourth quarter of wins over Texas Tech (a 54- yard touchdown) and Kansas State (a 39-yard score).
Pettigrew turned down an interview request on Monday, but he was quoted in an OSU press release as saying, “I want to continue to get better and I want to keep working toward my degree in economics. One more year at OSU can only help me.”
In OSU’s Insight Bowl triumph over Indiana, Pettigrew had three receptions for 39 yards. His career totals stand at 70 catches for 978 yards and nine touchdowns, and Gundy says Pettigrew is equally effective as a blocker.
“There’s a reason we run those option plays with Zac Robinson. It’s because Brandon generally knocks his guy on the ground,” Gundy said.
“Everybody says, ‘Wow, Zac is fast; nobody is near him.’ Well, that’s because the defensive guy who was supposed to contain the play was knocked down by Brandon.
“In the bowl game, we faced a guy (Indiana defensive end Greg Middleton) who led the nation with 16 sacks. (Pettigrew) just mauled that guy. Brandon is a warrior and a great leader. He will make as much of an impact as a leader as he will as a player.”
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ESPN wants OSU-A&M date change
Oklahoma State officials are considering an ESPN proposal that would result in a date switch for next season’s Texas A&M-OSU football game in Stillwater. Currently scheduled as the Big 12 opener on Saturday, Oct. 4, the game would be played on Thursday night, Oct. 2.
As of Monday night, athletic director Mike Holder said OSU had not decided whether to make the move. If the game is played on Oct. 2, it would follow by five days the Cowboys’ home meeting with Troy. Last season, at Troy, Ala., the Trojans defeated OSU 41-23.
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
1/15/2008
Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy was the recipient of good news. On Monday, All-Big 12 tight end Brandon Pettigrew decided to remain with the Cowboys for his senior season.
A 6-foot-6, 260-pound junior from Tyler, Texas, Pettigrew had been considering early entry in the NFL Draft. Tuesday is the deadline for underclassmen to make their draft decision. College players become draft-eligible after they are three years removed from high school.
“I thought there was a 50-50 chance that Brandon would leave, but then this year’s draft became so saturated with juniors,” Gundy said. “For next year, I label Brandon as a can’t-miss first-rounder. The way he has developed the last two years, I really expect him to develop even more and become a first-round pick.
“Look at the signing bonuses for first round guys. You’re talking about several million dollars, compared to maybe a thirdrounder who gets $600,000 or $700,000.”
During the 2007 season, Pettigrew had 35 catches for 540 yards and four touchdowns. His highlight plays occurred in the fourth quarter of wins over Texas Tech (a 54- yard touchdown) and Kansas State (a 39-yard score).
Pettigrew turned down an interview request on Monday, but he was quoted in an OSU press release as saying, “I want to continue to get better and I want to keep working toward my degree in economics. One more year at OSU can only help me.”
In OSU’s Insight Bowl triumph over Indiana, Pettigrew had three receptions for 39 yards. His career totals stand at 70 catches for 978 yards and nine touchdowns, and Gundy says Pettigrew is equally effective as a blocker.
“There’s a reason we run those option plays with Zac Robinson. It’s because Brandon generally knocks his guy on the ground,” Gundy said.
“Everybody says, ‘Wow, Zac is fast; nobody is near him.’ Well, that’s because the defensive guy who was supposed to contain the play was knocked down by Brandon.
“In the bowl game, we faced a guy (Indiana defensive end Greg Middleton) who led the nation with 16 sacks. (Pettigrew) just mauled that guy. Brandon is a warrior and a great leader. He will make as much of an impact as a leader as he will as a player.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESPN wants OSU-A&M date change
Oklahoma State officials are considering an ESPN proposal that would result in a date switch for next season’s Texas A&M-OSU football game in Stillwater. Currently scheduled as the Big 12 opener on Saturday, Oct. 4, the game would be played on Thursday night, Oct. 2.
As of Monday night, athletic director Mike Holder said OSU had not decided whether to make the move. If the game is played on Oct. 2, it would follow by five days the Cowboys’ home meeting with Troy. Last season, at Troy, Ala., the Trojans defeated OSU 41-23.