Panhandle DE starting to blow up

There is a prospect in the Florida panhandle that is starting to blow up. Remember the name of D.J. Pettway. He's a rising senior from Pensacola Catholic and he's one of the Sunshine State's top defensive end prospects in the Class of 2011. Today, he received his ninth scholarship offer and it was a big one.

"FSU offered me today," Pettway said. "They are somewhat the hometown team for me. There are a lot of people around here that like them. I haven't met the new coaches yet. I was supposed to go up there this weekend but I can't make it so I am going up there some time next week. I honestly didn't know they were going to offer. It came as a big surprise to me."

Pettway, 6-3 and 255 pounds, was first offered by Troy, then South Alabama. Then he was offered by South Carolina, Clemson, Louisville, Texas Tech, FIU and UAB. Then he got one from his favorite school and they happened to win the national championship.

"Alabama offered me. They are the national champions. Amazing. That blew my mind. I camped there last summer. It's a beautiful thing and perfect up there. I like how they treat their players. They do a great job with everything. Tuscaloosa seems a lot like Pensacola to me.

"Alabama is my favorite right now. I am still keeping my eyes open and would love to look at LSU. You know, just look around.

"Coaching staff is No. 1 I am looking at and then early playing time. I would love that home town feeling. That would make it even better."

Pettway says he is being recruited heavily by Georgia, Florida, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and some others but there haven't been any offers yet from those schools. So far he has seen Alabama (camp), Auburn (camp), Florida, Troy and UAB. Pettway will soon add to that visit list.

"Next week will be my first visit to Florida State. I want to see LSU and Georgia this spring. Maybe Clemson to but that is like nine hours away. I want to see Auburn again as well."

Last season Pettway had a monster junior campaign, recording 85 tackles, 25 tackles for a loss and 16 sacks. He knows he has to work hard to have an even better senior season.

"I have to do better. I have to work harder. I want to get better in everything I do. My strength is my pass rushing. I get the edge and I play the run well to. I need to get my technique better and play with better pad level."