Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Rasul, Pettaway adding experience, competition to backfield
8/14/2020 5:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Through the first week of fall camp, a strong bond has been evident between two of Middle Tennessee's newest players.
Redshirt senior running backs Martell Pettaway and Amir Rasul were no strangers to each other when they both committed to transfer to the Blue Raiders this offseason. They previously were teammates in the 2016 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, where they starred, Rasul carrying 16 times for 68 yards and three touchdowns, while Pettaway had five totes for 90 yards.
While the two prep standouts went their separate ways to start their collegiate careers, Rasul to Florida State and Pettaway to West Virginia, they stayed in touch. When the opportunity presented itself this offseason to join the same backfield, they jumped at the chance.
"We talk about this all the time that we feel like God put us here together," Pettaway said. "I never thought I'd play with him again … but now we're roommates. It's cool."
Head coach Rick Stockstill and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin wanted to increase the competition in the backfield this offseason after inconsistent play from their running backs in 2019. Quarterback Asher O'Hara was the team's leading rusher, accounting for 1,058 yards and nine touchdowns to go with 2,616 passing yards and 20 more TDs.
The Blue Raiders have some returners in the backfield with Chaton Mobley (821 yards and seven TDs combined the last two years), Jayy McDonald (204 yards and one TD in 2019), and they also added freshmen Frank Peasant and Terry Wilkins. Having two experienced backs join the fold this offseason has been impactful so far, though, mainly because they've been around the block in college football.
"They've been in the spotlight before and played in front of big crowds, and both have done great things," running backs coach Jeff Beckles said. "It's not like they'll step on the field and have those wide eyes."
While they're new to the team, Pettaway and Rasul have tried to step in and be leaders by example.
"Being out there with my teammates and getting the chemistry with them and being in helmets and pads has been awesome," Rasul said. "I haven't missed a workout, mandatory or voluntary. I'm just trying to be there with my teammates every second, whether that's working out or just talking to them."
They aren't exactly the same type of running back. Pettaway used a little more of a bruising style to rack up 1,032 yards in three years at West Virginia, while Rasul is a speedster who also flashes good hands out of the backfield.
What Stockstill likes from both of them, though, is their attitude.
"Both Amir and Martell are quiet guys, which I like," Stockstill said. "They just keep their head down and grind and show up every day and go to work. They're a little bit different type of running backs, but they're both really talented. I really like their personalities and work ethic."
Rasul and Pettaway are putting in the work so far during camp, and it'll be exciting to see what they can do wearing the blue and white this fall.
Redshirt senior running backs Martell Pettaway and Amir Rasul were no strangers to each other when they both committed to transfer to the Blue Raiders this offseason. They previously were teammates in the 2016 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, where they starred, Rasul carrying 16 times for 68 yards and three touchdowns, while Pettaway had five totes for 90 yards.
While the two prep standouts went their separate ways to start their collegiate careers, Rasul to Florida State and Pettaway to West Virginia, they stayed in touch. When the opportunity presented itself this offseason to join the same backfield, they jumped at the chance.
"We talk about this all the time that we feel like God put us here together," Pettaway said. "I never thought I'd play with him again … but now we're roommates. It's cool."
Head coach Rick Stockstill and offensive coordinator Tony Franklin wanted to increase the competition in the backfield this offseason after inconsistent play from their running backs in 2019. Quarterback Asher O'Hara was the team's leading rusher, accounting for 1,058 yards and nine touchdowns to go with 2,616 passing yards and 20 more TDs.
The Blue Raiders have some returners in the backfield with Chaton Mobley (821 yards and seven TDs combined the last two years), Jayy McDonald (204 yards and one TD in 2019), and they also added freshmen Frank Peasant and Terry Wilkins. Having two experienced backs join the fold this offseason has been impactful so far, though, mainly because they've been around the block in college football.
"They've been in the spotlight before and played in front of big crowds, and both have done great things," running backs coach Jeff Beckles said. "It's not like they'll step on the field and have those wide eyes."
While they're new to the team, Pettaway and Rasul have tried to step in and be leaders by example.
"Being out there with my teammates and getting the chemistry with them and being in helmets and pads has been awesome," Rasul said. "I haven't missed a workout, mandatory or voluntary. I'm just trying to be there with my teammates every second, whether that's working out or just talking to them."
They aren't exactly the same type of running back. Pettaway used a little more of a bruising style to rack up 1,032 yards in three years at West Virginia, while Rasul is a speedster who also flashes good hands out of the backfield.
What Stockstill likes from both of them, though, is their attitude.
"Both Amir and Martell are quiet guys, which I like," Stockstill said. "They just keep their head down and grind and show up every day and go to work. They're a little bit different type of running backs, but they're both really talented. I really like their personalities and work ethic."
Rasul and Pettaway are putting in the work so far during camp, and it'll be exciting to see what they can do wearing the blue and white this fall.
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