When Tom Joseph was breaking down film last season of
Corona del Sol (Tempe, Ariz.), through the scrutinizing eye of the opposing coach there were some things he picked up on about
Andrus Peat.
Uncommitted star tackle Andrus Peat, whose fatherplayed in the NFL, is developing a much strongerwork ethic. It has college programs salivating, thoughhe has made no indication of where he might go.
Photo by Tom Lemming
Then when Joseph took over the Corona del Sol program in January, the longtime Arizona coach knew exactly what needed to be addressed when he met Peat for the first time.
"There is only one way I know how to do things," Joseph said. "We play hard every single play. It is all I know. I didn't see that from him and when we met I told him it has to change and it will change. We are learning together. I only know one way to do things and so does he, but he is learning to do them the way he should do it."
Peat is an imposing figure at 6-foot-7 and 305 pounds. When he comes to the line of scrimmage with the rest of the Corona offensive line, it looks like a scene right out of the movie "Blind Side" where the actor who played NFL lineman Michael Oher was ridiculously huge compared to everyone else.
Only this isn't Hollywood. This is Division I football in Arizona. The biggest classification in the state where the talent has become more and more nationally sought in recent years.
Yet, Andrus still towers over everyone else. And now the
15th-ranked overall Class of 2012 prospect by MaxPreps has that drive to match the size.
"When we met I could tell he wanted a lot from me," Peat said. "He is about discipline and it was something we really needed. He made us all accountable for everything we do for every single practice, every single play."
Andrus Peat as a sophomore.
File photo by Mitchell Reibel
Peat has chipped in defensively this year for Corona, which is 3-1 after going 1-9 last season, but the offers are for offensive tackle, where MaxPreps has him ranked fourth nationally. The top three offensive tackles have verbally committed while Peat is still weighing his options.
"I probably won't make a decision until after the season, whenever it comes to me," Peat said. "I have only one official visit scheduled and that's Nebraska when they play Ohio State (Oct. 8). I am thinking about Texas and Florida State and then I will take some unofficial visits when I can."
Peat's decision to visit Nebraska was an easy one as his brother, Todd Jr., is a freshman defensive tackle who received similar attention in the recruiting process.
"I text him a lot and it is odd not having him here," Andrus said. "I learned a lot from him and got better going against him in practice."
But his brother's presence in Lincoln doesn't mean Peat will be necessarily playing for the Big Red as well.
"I want to go to a school where I am wanted the most and have the best opportunity," he said. "I want to see how the teams do this year and weigh some other factors."
Peat had the luxury of watching his brother go through the process and has his father, Todd Sr., to lean on as well. The elder Peat played at Northern Illinois and played six years in the NFL for the Cardinals and Raiders.
"I try not to think about it too much, especially during the season," he said. "I want to have the best season as possible and put myself in a good position."
Positioning is what it takes to be an effective linemen and Peat has had that instilled in him from this father, who made 36 career starts in the NFL.
"It has helped so much in my development," he said. "Before my freshman year my dad worked with me on my technique and positioning so I had that advantage early. Now we mostly watch film and break down plays."
Peat, who is expected to skip basketball this season, still has plenty of work to do as he continues to develop. He hadn't spent as much time in the weight room as one might expect of a 6-7, 300-pounder.
It tells Joseph that his star tackle, who lines up on either side of the formation depending on the call, is still somewhat raw compared to what he will become.
"He is a large kid with an enormous amount of ability," Joseph said. "We have established a better work ethic. He has really taken to the weight training. He has so much potential and I don't think he even realizes how good he can be.
"Once he gets the internal drive to work every minute he will be terrific. He has all of the physical tools. I have never seen anything like it."
Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic and current Ahwatukee Foothill News staff writer, is a 15-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com or 480-272-2449.Watch more videos of Corona del Sol football
