Rob Petitti didn’t take much time to make the decision to come to Pitt.

Believe it or not,… Rob Petitti didn’t take much time to make the decision to come to Pitt.

Believe it or not, Pitt was one of the only schools to offer the 6-foot-6-inch, 335-pound tackle a scholarship.

“I didn’t really have any other scholarships,” Petitti said. “I came here to watch a Virginia Tech game and committed right after that. Maybe it was because it was Virginia Tech, maybe it’s because it was Halloween, but I was just really impressed with the atmosphere.”

Petitti has been a staple on Pitt’s offensive line over the past three seasons and currently owns an incredible streak of 38 consecutive starts at left tackle.

“I think I’m a pretty tough dude,” Petitti said. “I play with injuries, it just doesn’t matter. I know that I can’t let my team down. I have to play no matter what, and I take pride in not missing any games. Hopefully, I can keep the streak going for another 12 games.”

National media is starting to take notice — not only of his durability, but also of his talent.

Street ‘ Smith’s magazine has called Petitti the Big East’s “Top NFL Prospect” and also lists him among the nation’s leading candidates for the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy, which are given to the nation’s top linemen.

Athlon also named Petitti to its All-America team. But while he is honored with the pre-season recognition, Petitti knows that none of it will matter unless he goes out and performs on the field.

“I appreciate that people rank me this high, but it really doesn’t mean anything to me right now,” Petitti said. “All I’m caring about right now is winning the Big East Conference. But if it does anything, it pushes me to play harder.”

As impressive as his play was a year ago, for this Pitt team to be successful, Petitti will have to step his play up once again. Petitti says that although he isn’t in game shape yet, he already feels quicker on his feet.

With the lack of experience on offense, he will also have to step into a leadership role. But that’s something that Petitti says he is ready for.

“I’ve got to be a leader this year,” Petitti said. “Everyone looks up to me on the offensive line and I feel like this is going to be my year to lead.”

And his teammates agree. Fellow lineman Matt Maiers says that Petitti might not have been the most vocal leader in the past, but has always led by example.

“He doesn’t say much, but he doesn’t have to say much,” Maiers said. “What he does on the field is enough to say anything.”

Raymond Kirkley, a leading candidate for the vacant starting tailback position, also sees Petitti as a leader. And he says that Petitti’s resume speaks for itself.

“He’s been All-Big East, he’s an All-American candidate, so what more can you say?” Kirkley asked, adding, “I’m just glad he’s on my team.”

So are Panther fans and coaches. Strong, reliable and talented — what’s not to love?

Petitti says that his father is a big part of the reason he has developed into the man he has become. He said that he could always count on his dad to give it to him straight.

“My Dad always told me not to show any weakness,” Petitti said. “He’s helped me with every sport. He wasn’t the kind of guy who fed me a bunch of crap. He told me straight-up what he thought about everything I did.”

Some members of the media have already dubbed this season a rebuilding year for Pitt. But don’t try telling that to Petitti and his teammates.

“This is my senior year, so I’m not going to listen to someone say it’s a rebuilding year,” Petitti said. “Just because we’re not preseason No. 9 doesn’t mean we’re not going to be good. It doesn’t matter to any of us around here. We’ve still got to play.”

Petitti is a player who appears to have a fine career in the NFL ahead of him, but he won’t be satisfied with his career and this season unless Pitt can do one thing: beat West Virginia.

“I really want to beat West Virginia,” Petitti said. “It really bothers me that we haven’t been able to beat them.”

Petitti will have one last chance to do so in the final game of the regular season on Thanksgiving Day, and he’ll give it to you straight-up. He wants to win.