Recruiting Notebook: Detailed scouting report on 2025 LB target Riley Pettijohn
Inside Texas takes a closer look at the fit and evaluation for 2025 McKinney (Texas) linebacker, On3 four-star Riley Pettijohn in this edition of the Recruiting Notebook.
How he fits at Texas:
What if DeMarvion Overshown had played linebacker in high school? That’s the question Riley Pettijohn’s career appears to be answering for curious recruitniks. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds with good acceleration and a mean disposition, Pettijohn is very similar to Overshown in profile but he’s playing mostly Mike linebacker at McKinney. The frame will need to fill out to make it work in college but he does have a good feel for fitting runs, is a strong tackler, and coverage drops are pretty easy and natural for him. Despite the similarities to Overshown, he’d probably play Mike at Texas because of his comfort dropping into coverage. His ability to get back into drops is comparable to Jaylan Ford or Liona Lefau, he just needs to get on the Lefau meal plan. – Ian Boyd
Coach Says:
Strengths: Solid through the lower body with a good frame for upper body bulk. Impressive acceleration and above average straight line speed. Good change of direction. Reliable with scrapes and run fits. Shoots a gap quickly and should prove a tough match up on the blitz. Generally reads his keys reliably and sticks to his assignment. Takes on contact willingly and does try to fight through it. Impressive hand strength. Productive tackler averaging double digit tackles. In pass defense, will flip his hips easily and run with the receiver. Looks comfortable and fluid in pass protection.
Areas for Improvement / Concerns: Looks a bit slow to read the key. Has to use athleticism to make up for that delay. Has some great wrap ups in game, but highlights are mostly shoulder bumps and arm tackles.
How this affects Texas:
Texas might not take an off-ball linebacker in the 2024 cycle after grabbing a handful in 2023. That means Pettijohn is that much more of a priority in 2025 because of his old school style at inside linebacker. Texas, Florida, Michigan, USC, and Oklahoma are all in the mix early. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder recently released a top 12 and the Longhorns made the list. He’s a need in the 2025 class and the Horns are treating him as such. – Justin Wells
Pettijohn is the No. 27 overall prospect and No. 3 linebacker in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also ranked as the No. 7 player in Texas.
The post Recruiting Notebook: Detailed scouting report on 2025 LB target Riley Pettijohn appeared first on On3.
