Jamal Pettigrew returns to play | Former 4-star recruit is now playing for McNeese State

By: Justin Kelm

Down, set, hut. Cody Orgeron takes the snap and finds Jamal Pettigrew for a seven yard gain. Pettigrew’s large stature impresses many. Standing at 6’7 and weighing 247 pounds, the graduate student from New Orleans is a gentle giant off the field. On the field he is a determined blocker who provides extra depth to the McNeese State offense. Pettigrew was a member of the Louisiana State University Tigers before transferring to McNeese State. 

Before his collegiate career, Pettigrew put on a show at St. Augustine High School. 

His efforts did not go unnoticed. Coach Ed Orgeron and his staff added him out of high school. In four seasons at LSU, Pettigrew was primarily used as a rotational tight end, bringing in two career receptions for 17 yards in 28 appearances. 

Since coming to McNeese State, Pettigrew has been a favorite of Coach Orgeron’s son, Cody who is the starting quarterback for the Cowboys. The return to Baton Rouge is going to be special. When I spoke with him at fall camp, Pettigrew reiterated how important winning the Southland Conference this season would mean to him. Winning is something Pettigrew is used to, as he won a national championship with the Tigers. He made a immediate impact and will be a pivotal part in the Cowboys offense this weekend. As of now, the game is still on to be played on Saturday, Sep. 11. at 7 pm CT from Tiger Stadium. Both teams come in hungry for a win. Stay tuned. 

2021 Spring (Redshirt Senior):

• Starter in all seven games.

• Third on the team with 18 catches with 132 receiving yards.

• Averaged 7.3 yards per catch and 18.9 yards receiving per game.

• One TD catch.

At LSU
2019 (Redshirt Junior):

• Played in all 15 games for the Tigers in the record-breaking, 15-0 national championship season.

• Caught one pass on the year.

2018 (Redshirt Sophomore):

• Missed all of 2018 with an injury.

2017 (Redshirt Freshman):

• Played in all 13 games with two starts.

• First start of his career came in win over Syracuse.

• Started again against Arkansas.

• First career reception went for 18 yards against Troy.

2016 (Freshman):

• Did not see action and redshirted the season.

High School:

• Versatile tight end who will be able to contribute in the running or passing game.

• Big frame that will allow for mismatches in the passing game.

• Can also set the edge as a blocking tight end.

• A four-star prospect by Scout, 247Sports and ESPN.

• Rated as the No. 188 national prospect by Scout, No. 219 by ESPN and No. 243 by 247Sports.

• Ranked as the seventh-best tight end and the 13th best prospect in Louisiana.

• Caught 17 passes for 345 yards and three TDs as a junior.

• Followed that with 295 receiving yards as a senior.

• Earned a spot in the USA Today All-USA First Team for the state of Louisiana in 2015.

• Participated in the 2016 Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.

• Coached by Al Jones.