Antonio Pittman
| Career history | |
|---|---|
| St. Louis Rams | |
Antonio Pittman (born December 9, 1985 in Akron, Ohio) is a free agent running back in the NFL. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2007 NFL draft, and was a running back for The Ohio State University. Before arriving at Ohio State, Pittman attended Buchtel High School in Akron, Ohio, where he earned All-Ohio honors as a senior. Pittman majored in African American and African Studies at Ohio State. He is 5'11" and 195 pounds.[1]
Pittman entered the 2006 season as the starting running back for the Buckeyes. Quarterback Troy Smith said of Pittman, "Everybody knows who he is in the state of Ohio, but I think nationally, he’s one of the top three backs."[2] In 2005 he enjoyed his best year at the collegiate level, becoming just the fourth sophomore in Ohio State annals to rush for 1,000 or more yards in a season, joining Archie Griffin, Vince Workman and Keith Byars.[3] Griffin is the only running back with better rushing statistics than Pittman, with 1,577 yards. On January 15, 2007, Pittman made the decision to forgo his senior year and declared himself eligible for the NFL Draft.
Pittman was cut on September 1, 2007, after being outplayed in the preseason by undrafted rookie Pierre Thomas out of Illinois. He was claimed off of waivers by the St. Louis Rams the next day.
Career Rushing Statistics at Ohio State
| Year | Games | Rushes | Yards | Average | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 10 | 72 | 381 | 5.3 | 1 |
| 2005 | 12 | 243 | 1,331 | 5.5 | 7 |
| 2006 | 13 | 242 | 1,275 | 5.3 | 14 |
| Total | 35 | 557 | 2,945 | 5.3 | 22 |
Pittman has averaged over five yards per carry in his three seasons, playing in 35 games, rushing for an average of 84 yards per game.[4] He currently ranks 8th on Ohio State's all-time rushing list.
2005 Season Statistics and Highlights
Despite a slow start to the 2005 season, he finished the year with 1,331 yards rushing and seven touchdowns on 243 carries; an average of 5.5 yards per attempt. His rushing yardage was the 10th-best single-season mark in school history and only Archie Griffin gained more yards (1,577) as a sophomore.[5] His rushing total was the 11th highest in the NCAA last season and 5th best in the Big Ten Conference.[6] In addition to running, Pittman made 17 receptions for 161 yards in 2005.
In his first appearance, Pittman rushed for 100 yards on 14 carries against Miami University. His career-high is 186 yards in a game against the University of Minnesota, where he also scored his first touchdown of the season.[1] He is a beast!
He scored the winning touchdown in the 2005 game against the Michigan Wolverines. He ran around the Michigan defensive line for a three yard touchdown run came with just 24 seconds left in the game.[3]
In the next game, he clinched the 2006 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish by erupting for a 60 yard touchdown run with 1:46 left in the game, despite having an injured hamstring.[3]
2006 Season Statistics and Highlights
At the beginning of the 2006 season some called for split playing time between Pittman and freshman Chris Wells, another Akron native. However, Pittman's strong resume in 2005 and early successes guaranteed his role as starter.[7]
As the starting running back, Pittman has displayed the ability to compile impressive statistics. In games against Northern Illinois University, University of Cincinnati, Penn State University, and University of Iowa he rushed for over 100 yards and scored touchdowns. Also, during the high-profile game at then #2 Texas he scored a touchdown.
Against the Florida Gators in the BCS National Championship, Pittman rushed for 62 yards and one of Ohio State's two scores.
Trivia
 | This article contains a list of miscellaneous information. (May 2007) |
- On Pittman's left arm is a tattoo honoring his brother, Anthony, who died at the age of 23.[8]
- Pittman lived with his sister April while in high school.[8]
Notes or references
- ^ a b "Player Bio: Antonio Pittman" (Press release). Ohio State Department of Athletics. 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-31. Cite error: The named reference "official bio" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ Gordon, Ken (2006-08-31). "Ground Rules". Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved 2006-08-31.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b c Ridenour, Marla (2006-08-16). "No back bone to pick". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved 2006-08-31.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) Cite error: The named reference "no bone" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ "Antonio Pittman Stats". DI Statistics. NCAA. 2006-09-16. Retrieved 2006-09-21.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Record Book (Part 1)
- ^ NCAA Division I-A Rushing Leaders
- ^ Pluto, Terry (2006-09-17). "Pittman well-suited for OSU". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved 2006-09-21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ a b "Under the Helmet with Antonio Pittman" (Press release). Ohio State Department of Athletics. 2006-09-23. Retrieved 2006-11-12.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) Cite error: The named reference "helmet" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).