MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Even by West Virginia standards, where smaller linebackers can persist in the 3-3-5 stack defense, fifth-year senior Shaq Petteway is undersized.
He doesn’t quite measure up to the 6 feet listed on the roster, yet he’s currently playing as well as anyone on the roster.
“Five or six days into camp he’s the most productive defensive player we have,” said coordinator Tony Gibson.
A converted safety now in his third season playing linebacker, Petteway has solidified his spot with the starters at Will. While he doesn’t look like much of an obstacle for Big 12 offensive linemen who typically weigh 70 to 80 pounds more, Petteway survives on striking ability at close range.