Notes: Uncle, Gary, was a Gold Glove center fielder who played 11 seasons of major-league baseball for four teams. Austin also played basketball and ran track as a prep. As a true freshman in 2007, started 7-of-13 games at flanker and had 46 receptions for 465 yards (10.1-yard average) and six touchdowns. Caught 49-567-9 (11.6) in 13 games (two starts) in '08. Set a single-season school record for receiving touchdowns in '09 by starting all 13 games played at flanker and pulling in 63-855-14 (13.6). Also completed a 28-yard pass. Broke his left ankle against Nevada and had surgery that sidelined him for the regular-season finale against New Mexico State and limited him in the Fiesta Bowl against TCU. Started 11-of-13 games at flanker in '10, catching 71-951-10 (13.4) and completing four passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns. Pettis, who wore jersey No. 87 prior to junior season, is Boise's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns (39).
Positives: Very good size with big, strong hands. Superb ball skills - has a catching radius the size of a fish net and snatches outside his frame with ease (exceptional hands). Adjusts and contorts to reel in poorly thrown balls. Attacks the ball in the air and displays timing, body control and concentration to consistently win in traffic. Plays faster than he times. Deft route runner who knows how to set up defenders and create separation. Has a feel for navigating zones and throttling down in soft spots. Vocal leader who brings consistent energy. Tough, confident and competitive.
Negatives: Below-average timed speed - is not a threat to stretch the field vertically and gets caught from behind. Is not sudden or explosive and could be challenged by cover men with twitch. Average creativity and elusiveness after the catch. Could be more physical as a blocker. Does not return kicks.
Summary: A very reliable, big possession receiver and red-zone weapon in a similar mold as Marques Colston, Pettis has hands that are among the best in his class. Would be an ideal No. 3 receiver and complement a burner very well, particularly in a sophisticated pass offense like that of the Colts, Saints, Giants or Texans.
NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.
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