Baylor’s speedy receiver drops track to focus on football
In high school David Gettis became one of the fastest prep runners in the nation in the 400-meter run, all with a hamstring injury.
Gettis recorded a national-best 45.84 in the 400 and was selected as the 2005 Boys’ Track & Field Athlete of the Year by The Los Angeles Times. He won two Los Angeles City 400 crowns, anchored his high school relay team to two state titles and became California’s first prep athlete to claim three consecutive state 400-meter titles.
In addition to his running accolades, Gettis also had a prosperous football career. After rejecting football scholarships from Arizona, Arizona State, San Diego State and Washington, he chose to enroll at Baylor as a two-sport athlete.
Last December, after two mediocre football seasons and a coaching change, Gettis realized it was time to make a crucial sacrifice. He had enough of track’s individual honors, trading it in for team-oriented success of football.
‘I would say I officially made my decision right after Coach Art Briles was hired,’ Gettis said. ‘I knew I was talented at both sports, but I got into football before track, so I wanted to focus on improving my skills for the football team.’
By focusing solely on football, Gettis believed he could hone his skills and become a dangerous weapon for the Bears’ offense.
During the offseason, Gettis dedicated his newfound free time to watching film of his opponents on a consistent basis. Most of the time, he displayed initiative by holding his own private film sessions.
Determined to enhance his versatility, Gettis expanded his film sessions by studying NFL receivers and patenting himself around their styles.
‘My favorite player to study is Jerry Rice,’ Gettis said. ‘I study how he ran routes because he ran impeccable routes with quickness and precision. I also watch T.O. and study his aggressive nature. I look at how Chad Johnson runs his routes and also try to watch how Steve Smith plays and runs in the open field.’
Besides analyzing film, Gettis also began allotting extra time in the gym to improve his strength and conditioning. He trained routinely with the team trainers to augment his physique and ameliorate his footwork.
It didn’t take long for Gettis’ teammates to notice that his workout regimen paid significant dividends. The team’s cornerbacks experienced the lesson firsthand when it wasn’t as easy stopping Gettis.
‘He’s really tough to cover now,’ said Baylor senior cornerback Dwain Crawford. ‘He wasn’t as big and muscular back then as he is now. His body is pretty well put together now, especially since he dropped track. You know, ever since he dropped (track) I have seen his route running get better, his hands get better, and his overall skills got better.’
After starting eight games last season, Gettis is ready to assume his role as the full-time starter and is poised to have a breakout junior season. Last season, he had 31 catches for 407 yards for no touchdowns.
But this season, he holds himself to higher expectations, especially as a big-play receiver in a new spread offense. Briles’ offense will provide several opportunities for Gettis to outrun and outmuscle cornerbacks in the open field.
‘My personal goal is to be on the Big 12 All-Receiving team,’ Gettis said. ‘But my ultimate goal is to help this team win the Big 12 championship.’
At 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, Gettis has the prototypical size needed for a wide receiver to thrive in college football and reach his goals. Gettis’ aptitude and robust build has also eased the transitional process for Baylor freshman quarterback Robert Griffin.
‘He makes my job a little easier because gives me an out,’ Griffin said. ‘If I’m ever under pressure I know he can get to any spot needed and will bail me out.’
Despite prematurely ending his track career, Gettis still showcases his signature speed on the football field. And now that his strength is up to par, Griffin wholeheartedly believes that Gettis can establish himself as one of the premier receivers in all of college football.
‘He has the potential to be one of the best receivers in the nation, if not the best receiver in the nation,’ Griffin said. ‘He has everything you need: size, speed, strength, and all of that along with a good pair of hands. With all that said, he has the potential to be one of the best.’
Wells Watch
Throughout the week, Ohio State running back Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells’ toe has probably been the most scrutinized body part in all of college football. After injuring his right toe in Saturday’s game against Youngstown State, Wells was listed as doubtful for this weekend’s game against Ohio University. However, Wells’ mother recently disclosed that her son’s injury was not turf toe, and stated that he plans to suit up for game day.
If Wells is not available, head coach Jim Tressel will rely on senior Maurice Wells, redshirt freshman Dan Herron and sophomore Brandon Saine to carry the load as a running back committee.
Either way, Tressel will be forced to make a difficult decision on his Wells’ playing status. By benching Wells, he risks starting a rusty running back to play in Ohio State’s showdown against USC on Sept. 13. But if Tressel starts Wells, then he risks losing his star player to a subsequent toe injury.
Game to watch: Oregon State at No. 19 Penn State
After routing Coastal Carolina, 66-10, last weekend, Penn State plays Oregon State next. The Nittany Lions will attempt to prove its offense is as talented as advertised. However, this game has a historical undertone, as well. With a victory this weekend and a Florida State loss, Penn State coach Joe Paterno will pass Florida State coach Bobby Bowden for most all-time wins by a Division I college coach with 374. If FSU wins, the 81-year-old could pass Bowden next week at Syracuse.
