Jaguars' Player Biography: Pete Ittersagen

Biography:

Peter Ittersgen has got game. He was one of only two division III players this year who had a chance to be drafted in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Many times, at least one player from a Division III school gets selected. However, that was not the case this year, as neither of the two major prospects were selected. Pete is the caliber of athlete you have to be if you are comng out of a school with weak competition. He was litterally a shut down corner. Before you jump down his throat for having faced little to no real competition, look at what Sports Illustrated had to say.

 "the best cornerback and return specialist you never heard of. He's broken up 30 passes since his junior campaign while averaging 16.5 yards returning punts. He has the size, speed and skills to make an NFL roster and could end up being tabbed in the late rounds by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers or Houston Texans."

Pete was no stranger to the Jaguars' either, as he was brought in for a workout prior to the Draft. He quickly chose to come to the Jaguars in UDFA thanks to the complete lack of talent in our secondary. Scott Starks is coming off injury, B-Dub is another year older. Derrick Cox is a rookie, and Mathis is the only rock back there.

Scouting: 

Pete is 5'10" and 191 lbs, clearly he has the size for the position. His vertical was 37" and he ran a 4.47 40-yard dash. He also benched pressed 225 lbs 18 times. indicating adequate strength for the secondary. He could possibily compete for a back-up safety or cornerback spot. 

Pete is going to have a great opportunity to make the squad, especially if he can prove to be a decent punt/kick returner. We are going to have a major camp competition going on this summer for returner responsibilities. Mike Thomas, Pete Ittersagen, Dennis Northcutt, and Spoonie will all be competing to make the team, and will look to their return capabilities to add value to their resume'.

Ittersagen's accumulated quite the cabinet of awards during his collegiate career, but with the Jags, he's just another UDFA.   

All-American cornerback Pete Ittersagen was given the MDM Award for "Special Forces Player of the Year". The 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior (PICTURED RIGHT) was recognized as an All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) for the second consecutive season, was honored as CCIW First Team All-Conference on defense and special teams and selected to the D3football.com's All-North Region Team along with earning North Region Defensive Player of the Year. He finishes his career fifth all-time in NCAA Division III in passes defended with 61. His 464 punt return yards this season set a new Wheaton single-season record and he also holds the school career record with 65 punt returns for 1,075 yards.