Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Player Information

Player: George Pettaway

School: James Madison

Height/Weight: 5-11/199 lbs.

Player Background

– 4-Star Recruit

– Finalist for Virginia’s Gatorade Player of the Year

– Under Armour All-American

– Transferred from North Carolina

Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season

– 182 Rushing Attempts

– 1,073 Rushing Yards

– 5.9 Yards Per Carry

– 30 Receptions

– 221 Receiving Yards

– 9 Total Touchdowns

Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season 

– 82.2 PFF Rushing Grade

– 3.36 Yards After Contact Per Attempt

– 34 Missed Tackles

– 39 Rushing Attempts of 10+ Yards

– 36.1% Breakaway Run Chance

Player Traits

– Excellent burst through the line of scrimmage into the second level

– Good vision to find his running lanes as well as to read the defense

– Can bounce of tackles and keep momentum

– Receiving potential but wasn’t used enough in that capacity

– Good long speed to finish runs and be a gamebreaker on any touch

Player Summary

George Pettaway got my attention with his PFF rushing grade, and when I checked the film, I wasn’t disappointed. He is a classic example of how a grade can lead you to a good player, but you have to check the film. When I did, I saw an explosive player, with raw potential to be more than he was being used for. His raw speed immediately makes me think a team will want to plug him in on returns, but his vision and burst will have him finding success on first- or second-down carries to spark a drive. He has a lot of underdeveloped skills because of the way James Madison used him in 2024, but if they expand his role this upcoming season, look out. 

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 Draft Summer Scouting Report: George Pettaway, RB, James Madison