By Adam Gonzales
TUCSON, Ariz. – Senior defensive linemen Reggie Gilbert and Dan Pettinato have been around the block a few times during their time as Wildcats. They have played for two different head coaches and multiple defensive line coaches, so there isn’t a lot that they haven’t seen or been through.
Through his first three years, Gilbert played in 30 games while starting 21 of them. He totaled 53 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks. So far this year he has 23 total tackles with four tackles for loss and three sacks, a substantial improvement from his junior year, and he attributes that to his increased strength.
“My strength has definitely gotten better as the season has gone on,” Gilbert said. “One thing that makes us different from a lot of teams is that we get stronger during the season, so my biggest jump has definitely been in my strength.”
Pettinato became a Wildcat in 2010, but redshirted his freshman year as he was playing behind Brooks Reed, Ricky Elmore and D’Aundre Reed, all NFL players. In his next three years, he played in 33 games while starting 12 of them. He totaled 61 tackles, four tackles for a loss and two sacks. This year, he has 23 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. He has also added one fumble recovery and a forced fumble, as well.
He gives a lot of credit to players like the Reeds and Elmore for his progression.
“I have come a long way since my freshman year,” Pettinato said. “I came in about 6-4 and weighed about 220 pounds and I thought I was big, but then I saw guys like Brooks Reed, Ricky Elmore and D’Aundre Reed. They showed me a lot and I tried to model myself after them.”
Defensive line coach Bill Kirelawich loves having guys like Gilbert and Pettinato around. Having two seniors on your defensive line is a huge advantage because of the experience they bring to the table.
“Danny (Pettinato) and Reggie (Gilbert) are everything you’d want in your players as a coach,” Kirelawich said. “They do it all; leadership, hard work, playing hard. They set a great example for our younger guys.”
The two seniors have nothing but praise for Kirelawich. Both say that he is one of the best coaches that they have ever had and that he brings out the best in them.
“It’s awesome to work with him,” Pettinato said. “He knows so much and I can take so much away from him just by watching film with him. Off the field he is also an awesome guy to hang out with too. On the field everything is serious, but off the field it is totally different and personal.”
“He’s one of the best coaches I have ever had,” Gilbert said. “He knows what he is talking about and he has played a huge role in developing me to what I am right now.”
When Gilbert and Pettinato were asked about their relationship off the field, both had the same answer.
“We’re like brothers,” Gilbert said “We hang out a lot, watch film together, and anytime I get an extra workout in, he’s right there with me.”
“We’re good friends,” Pettinato said. “We hang out all the time. We have been with each other for five years, so he’s like a brother.”
The two are always competing on the field and motivating each other to get better every day. Since they play the same position they both have the same goals, so they compare themselves to each other every day.
“Dan and I are very competitive on the field,’ Gilbert said. “We try to be as perfect as possible, so when one of us makes a mistake, the other is the first one to tell him.”
Gilbert and Pettinato will look to get after the quarterback more tomorrow when they take on Colorado at 6 p.m. MST at Arizona Stadium for Homecoming. For continued coverage of Arizona football, follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/ArizonaFootball and on Twitter @ArizonaFBall.
