Grad transfer WR La'Michael Pettway updates decision plans
Auburn has received a string of less-than-fortunate offseason news at wide receiver.
La'Michael Pettway could be an antidote to some of that.
Draft-eligible Darius Slayton was the big surprise early NFL entrant, leaving a perimeter receiver void in 2019. That vacancy was made greater by 5-star receiver George Pickens' decision to flip to Georgia on National Signing Day.
Pettway's recruitment, which seemed forced when he took his January official visit to Auburn, has trended more toward necessity. The Arkansas grad transfer even said his near-daily conversation with someone at Auburn — generally Gus Malzahn or Kodi Burns — is a more regular than his communications with Iowa State, Oklahoma State, North Carolina and Nebraska.
"I'm talking to them basically every day. Me and Coach Burns and Coach Malzahn. And now, a lot of the players are staying in contact with me. I'm staying in contact with someone from Auburn almost every day," Pettway said. "In that regard, Auburn is a bit more unique. I feel like it's more of a need."
The Pickens flip isn't what instigated that, however.
Pettway indicated Auburn has been at the forefront of his grad transfer move, talking about a need in 2019. That had more to do with Slayton's decision to leave for the NFL than Pickens' choice to not sign, though Pettway admitted it was something he monitored at all the schools in contention.
"Really, it's just about me coming in and being the guy. That's been the message. It's been a consistent message, even before [Pickens] chose to flip," Pettway said. "Yeah, he did say something about it. But [Burns] had the same consistent message since the beginning. I don't think the message or plan really changed."
The other possible landing spots: Iowa State, Oklahoma State, North Carolina and Nebraska.
He has visited Iowa State and Oklahoma State each of the last two weekends. Initially, North Carolina was going to be the fourth (and potentially final) visit, but the Chapel Hill trip was never planned. Pettway instead said, if he chooses to take one more official visit, it will likely be to Nebraska who has picked up its recruitment of late.
"But I'm not sure even sure if I'll take it honestly," Pettway said.
That puts Auburn, Iowa State and Oklahoma State at the forefront of Pettway's recruitment for the time being. Many factors point in the Tigers' favor, but the 6-foot-2, 220-pound receiver said all teams remain "even" until he's able to sit down with his parents to discuss each of the visits.
Pettway's decision will come in "early March," he said.
His decision will be based almost exclusively on team fit.
"Whatever school puts me in the best position — the guys around me, their quarterback situation and, of course, winning. Just looking for that total package," Pettway said. "The importance of my role, that's the most interesting part to me because it's more, like I've said, it's not recruiting for me — it's a business decision. Every place, I'm not going to look at the oohs and ahs. I'm looking for the vibe I get from the team and players, what it feels like being around coaches and knowing what I'm going there for."