Alabama defensive end prospect D.J. Pettway made the most of his collegiate tenure at Tuscaloosa, Ala., despite being dismissed from the program in 2013 due to off-field issues.
He finished last season with 18 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks, winning a third national championship with the Crimson Tide (redshirted in 2011, freshman season).
His career ends with 48 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
Pettway consistent at 4.9
— RosterWatch (@RosterWatch) March 9, 2016
Pettway build off his success at the NFL Combine with a consistent time of 4.90 seconds in the 40-yard dash during Alabama’s pro day. He was clocked at 4.99 seconds at the combine. A huge scream came from strength coach Scott Cochran and Pettway’s teammates Wednesday, as he displayed a 9’2″ broad jump for a 6-foot-2, 265-pound defensive lineman.
Alabama DE prospect D.J. Pettway in the 40-yard dash on pro day. pic.twitter.com/fbP8Z2iNl1
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 12, 2016
He impressed NFL scouts with his ability to attack the bag in pass rush drills, but needs to keep his body low when making lateral movements. At times, Pettway seemed anxious coming off the ball. He does not have the ideal size to be an edge rusher, yet a smooth technique will alleviate that.
The Pensacola, Florida native is ranked 20th at his position according to CBS Sports, and is projected to be taken in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
