We’re back again today with another edition of our 2017 Mountaineer football profile series. We’re going to be taking a look at one or two players every day leading up to opening week as we work our way through our position breakdowns and Fall camp analysis. Today we’re looking at...
Martell Pettaway, RB, No. 32
Year: Sophomore
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 207
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
High School: Martin Luther King High School
How he got to Morgantown
Pettaway enrolled at West Virginia in June after committing. Pettaway was a three-star back with offers from Power 5 schools like Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern and Iowa.
Career Highlight
The idea was for Pettaway to redshirt in 2016 but injuries to all three running backs eventually forced the coaches hand. Against Iowa State, Pettaway entered the game after Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy were injured and couldn’t return. Martell responded with a 30-carry, 181-yard game.
2017 Prospectus
Pettaway will serve as the third option in the backfield for the Mountaineers. He may be asked to be the goalline back as well. With Justin Crawford and Kennedy McKoy locking down the main spots, Pettaway will be asked to spell these guys regularly and should see at least 5-8 carries a game.
Dream Season
In a dream season, Pettaway solves the redzone issues for the Mountaineers. Despite being a top 25 offense since Dana Holgorsen took over, when the Mountaineers get into the redzone, they have been poor. A dream would see Pettaway rush for 400-500 yards but score 10+ touchdowns, all from 3 yards or less.
Up Next
Check back on Monday as we begin the next set of profiles, beginning with receiver Ka’Raun White