Film Analysis: Josh Petty Sets The Tone For An SEC Football Team
Fellowship Christian School offensive tackle Josh Petty holds major interests from several notable programs. The Tennessee Volunteers are one of the schools standing out to him ahead of his senior season, and he's made multiple trips to Knoxville, Tennessee, during this calendar year. He ranks as the No. 21 prospect in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports' Composite Rankings.
Offensive line coach Glen Elarbee is after several premium offensive linemen in this upcoming cycle, Petty at the top of that list. He's put really good things on tape over the past few years against strong competition and has the tools to develop into a major contributor on the collegiate level.
It's going to be tough competition for Tennessee moving forward. Clemson, Georgia, and several others sit atop this recruitment, but the Vols are in the picture. We went to the tape to find out why they want to fight this uphill battle, and the answers are pretty clear.
Run Game Finisher
There's a difference between effort and violence when evaluating offensive linemen. Good offensive linemen want to go through the whistle and help their team; great offensive linemen want to take the soul out of their matchup. Petty goes through the whistle and beyond several times on tape. He has a strong core that enables him to work through blocks and has the agility to get downfield and reach second-level defenders.
Strong Hands
You can tell that Petty packs a big punch in his hands. Defenders reset their position when Petty reaches them off the snap, and over the course of the game, defenders begin to brace for impact and lessen their blows. Petty wears you down throughout the course of a four-quarter football game, a major advantage for SEC programs that want to establish the run.
Disruptor
It's difficult to be a "disruptor" in the run game, but you will see the field if you are. Petty often encompasses two or three defenders, which is impressive given his 262-pound frame. He'll have to continue adding weight throughout the rest of his high school career into his college days, but if he reaches the physical playing field of college defensive linemen, he has the tools to create several big alleys for his running backs by himself.
2025 5-star OT Josh Petty during an unofficial visit to Tennessee. (Photo courtesy of Josh Petty)
Tennessee's 2025 Recruiting Class
- Justin Baker, RB
- Jack VanDorselaer, TE
- Shamar Arnoux, CB
- Dylan Lewis, CB
- Tyler Redmond, CB
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