At NEI we pride ourselves in accuracy with our player rankings. They are separated by class and position, but there is something missing… We do not rank specialists. We leave specialists to the national experts, and those experts rank Spencer Pettit of Glacier Peak (Snohomish, Wash.) as Washington’s best.
This past season, in helping the Grizzlies to an 8-3 record, Pettit was named 1st team All-Wesco (K), 2nd team All-Wesco (P), 1st team All-Area (K) and 2nd team All-State (K) by the Associated Press.
“It felt rewarding to be recognized as one of the best in the state, but it also pushes me to get better and become 1st Team All-State,Pettit told NEI. “I am actually ranked 6th in the nation. It shows me that all the hard work put in while no one is watching whether it’s in the weight room or on the field pays off.
“It feels amazing to be recognized as one of the best in the nation by Chris Sailer. He has helped me develop into an even better kicker than last year.”
Even with all those accolades, Pettit understands he still needs to work hard to hone his craft. He has spent his offseason training with many of the top kickers at various events around the nation.
“I’ve been to UW, WSU, BSU, UCLA, Penn State, and Cal and I have done well and competed with the best,” he said. “I also went to Chris Sailer’s ‘Top 12’ and ‘Event Elite’ camp with the best 35 kickers in the nation. I was a finalist in kickoffs and got 2nd in Field Goals. I took a UW visit. I have also been in the weight room throughout the offseason.”
Pettit is not only a quality athlete on the field, he is a tremendous student, sporting a 3.87 grade point average. He is a member of the Link Crew and Honor Society, as well as also participating in soccer. He was also named a captain on next year’s football team.
Like most athletes, Pettit has set goals for not only himself, but also his team.
“My personal goals for next season is to achieve All-State,” he said. “Go 90% or higher on my field goal percentage, make 20+ field goals and maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout the year. I want to hit a 55+ yard field goal, get every kickoff a touchback and earn a scholarship by the end of the season.
“We want to win 8+ games and have all 50 players on the sidelines be a part of the win. We want to make it to the Tacoma Dome and be the team with most heart and dedication.”
On the recruiting front, Pettit is hearing from the likes of Washington, Washington, California, Penn State and Wyoming. He is working out daily, and still has one camp left to attend.
“I will be in Ohio at the Top Gun camp for a chance to play in the Army All-American game.”
Pettit is a legitimate D1 kicker. I look forward to watching him perform this coming season, and will keep you updated on his progress.
