Pitt head coach Paul Chryst and staff continues to build depth on both sides of the line. A pair of brothers, both stout defensive linemen out of Du Bois, PA, is hoping to earn an offer from the Panthers.
“Right now we’re hearing from Rutgers, Temple and Delaware,” stated defensive end / tackle Joe Peterson (6-foot-4 ½, 260 pounds). “I keep in contact with Pitt. (Pitt tight end) Coach Mickey Turner and I keep in communication every so often.”
“Pitt’s a great school. My brother and I have visited there twice,” he said. “They have a great football program, a great fan base and it’s not that far from home. We’re going to try to get back for a visit in the spring.”
“My brother and I plan on going to Pitt’s summer camp, kicking some tail and earning scholarship offers.”
Joe has played a number of positions in high school including wide receiver, tight end and defensive line. He has morphed from a 185 pound wide receiver his sophomore year to a hulking 260 pound defensive lineman. With a nearly 6-foot-5 inch frame, Peterson was asked if he was considered a defensive end or tackle. He stated, “I’m being recruited as a defensive end. I have a good frame and I’m long. Right now I run a 5.0 forty-yard dash. I want to improve that to a 4.8 or 4.9 by Pitt camp.”
Joe, in rotation duty on defense, registered 11 tackles and one forced fumble last season.
“I believe I’m a strong side defensive end. I know what I’m capable of. I’m not worried about my 40-speed as much. When I rush off the edge I can crush he guy in front of me and get to the quarterback.”
While Joe Peterson may be labeled a ‘tweener’ in recruiting circles, there’s no doubt that his brother Brad (6-foot-4 inches, 285 pounds) is a legitimate defensive tackle prospect. He registered 25 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and 5 sacks last season while overcoming significant hearing impairment due to auditory neuropathy.
“Like my brother, I keep in touch with Coach Turner,” he said. “He told me their camp this summer will be crowded. To standout we will really have to work hard. I’m ready for the challenge.”
“Pitt is right up there with Rutgers, Temple, Buffalo and a several other schools. I really like Pitt. The coaches are great and they are really developing a great program. I feel like it’s a good fit for me.”
Brad was asked about his strengths as a defensive tackle and he stated, “I have great speed form my size. I’m strong as well. I bench press 325 pounds and dead lift 425 pounds.”
It’s rare to have a pair of brothers with enough talent to play football for a BCS level. The Peterson brothers were asked if they were a ‘package deal’ and both had immediate responses.
“Yes, I would like to attend the same college with Joe. We have talked about eventually opening a business together after receiving a quality education,” said Brad.
“Brad and I have been playing together forever. We click on the football field. The two of us have a connection,” said Joe. “If a school we both like offers us a scholarship, that’s probably where we’re going to do. If a situation turns out that we have to separate, we would do it. Ideally, the two of us are playing together.”