Meet Andrus Peat, the newest addition to the New Orleans Saints’ offensive line
Who is Andrus Peat? Well for one, he’s a guy that New Orleans Saints fans better get comfortable with after their team selected him with the 13th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, shaking up the Who Dat Nation Thursday night.
A questionable call to some, a bad decision to many, but a smart move to most, the former Stanford standout is the next franchise offensive lineman in the Big Easy. The protection of future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Drew Brees is critical, and so on to the next man who falls under center.
Born in Mesa, raised in Chandler, Arizona, Andrus Jamerson Peat has six siblings and comes from a football bloodline. His father, Todd Peat Sr. was an offensive tackle in the NFL for the St. Louis/Phoenix Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams — talk about throwback. Andrus’ older brother, Todd Peat Jr. currently plays defensive tackle for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Attending Tempe Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, Andrus Peat was a three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track and field. He was a star offensive tackle out on the turf, while also leading his hoops team to the state championship as a senior, all while throwing the discus and shot put.
Before heading to college, Peat was one of the most heavily recruited offensive lineman prospects in the nation, receiving offers from schools like LSU, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, USC, Notre Dame and several other prestigious athletic programs.
The product of Stanford, which by the way takes in and produces some of the brightest kids out there, is a psychology major. But it’s not about what he can do in the classroom anymore — it’s what he did and can do out on the football field.
As a freshman in 2012, Andrus Peat was one of three freshman to see playing time on the offensive line, appearing in 13 games and rotating throughout the season at left tackle.
In 2013, he was the recipient of the Deswarte-Ellar Award (Stanford’s most outstanding sophomore) as one of the nation’s top left tackles, earning a spot on the All-Pac 12 second team.
As a junior in 2014, his final season, Andrus Peat was a very decorated individual — Sporting News All-America first team, SI.com All-America first team, Walter Camp All-America second tea, AP All-America second team, CBS Sports All-America second team, ESPN.com All-America, All-Pac 12 first team, Outland Trophy (best lineman won by Iowa‘s Brandon Scherff) quarterfinalist.
But enough about what he achieved in college. What does he bring to the table for the New Orleans Saints?
At 6-foot-7, 313 pounds, Andrus Peat boasts an enormous frame with long arms, broad shoulders and impressive weight distribution. With surprisingly light feet, well-balanced coordination and that massive physique, he has no problem latching on and controlling speedy outside rushers. Again, Drew Brees protection is crucial — Peat can improve that immediately.
We’re looking at a potential Pro Bowl tackle here, the future of the Saints’ offensive line. Andrus Peat should settle in nicely at his new home down on the bayou.
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