UK Athletics Photo
New Mexico State transfer Shiyazh Pete is a “big” part of Kentucky’s rebuilt offensive line that UK coach Mark Stoops is counting on to help the Wildcats bounce back from last year’s 4-8 finish.
The 6-foot-8, 325-pound Pete played in 33 games with 30 starts the last three seasons. His father, Natani, is a captain in the United States Army and is of the Salish/Navajo tribe while his mother, Geraldine, is full-blooded Navajo. He speaks basic Navajo.
He did not have an easy start to his collegiate career. He was a walk-on at New Mexico State who did not play a snap in 2021. Two year later not only was he on scholarship, but he started all 15 games at left tackle for the Aggies when they finished 10-5 and won 34-10 at Auburn.
“That was a game I had been preparing for all season. I just wanted to have fun playing in a SEC stadium where so many great players have played,” Pete said. “I had never been part of anything like that and to outplay them and beat them the way we did was spectacular. I really enjoyed that.”
Pete knows many in the Navajo Nation look up to him because of what he’s already done and hopes to do at Kentucky this year.
“A lot of people reach out to me. It’s a very close knit community within the Navajo Nation. I’ve had fans come up and introduce themselves,” he said. “I’m recognizing that I’m a public figure, so I have to conduct my business in a professional manner and compete with class.”
Lexington does not have a big Navajo base to embrace Pete.
“I realize there’s really no one else here but I have a chance to be a representative of our nation in this frontier,” Pete said.
One plus for Pete is that he likes hiking and being outdoors. But his biggest plus could be what he adds to the football team. He missed the first six games last season with a foot injury but allowed just five quarterback pressures and two sacks on 193 pass-blocking plays in the six games he played at left tackle.
7 Responses
I love this young mans energy. He's very intelligent. Looks at the glass half full instead of half empty. It surprised me that he didn't go to Vanderbilt and play with his former QB Diego Pavia. In Pavias own words Pete is the best blind side Tackle in college football. He is not overly athletic. He is also not overly muscular. He makes up for that between his ears. It's almost like he's a couple steps ahead. Already knowing what the defense will do. People say why did we go get a first team Mac Tackle in Wollshlager? He cant compete in the SEC. I disagree. I would rather have Wollshlager a 2* recruit who shined in the MAC conference. "He's uncoordinated. Is what Cole said. I don't agree. I would rather have Wollshlager than a Chip Traynam. All we heard last summer is how great Chip is and how great Chip is going to be. I'm here to tell you that Wilcox our 3rd string back is much better than Chip Traynam the starting back for Toledo. I would rather have accomplished players at positions that are the most important than crybaby guys who don't play for having a hangnail. We had too many sissy's last year. This years team is made up of real men. Like Braun and Burton and Wollshlager and Pete and Farmer. Our offensive line is going to be Incredible this year if we can stay away from the injury bug we will have a much better season this year. We replaced "hopefuls" with experience. This move will pay off. Also McGowan and Dowdell are going to hurt the defense big physical runners that are so big it's going to be hard for people in the secondary to take these wolly mammoths down. Wilcox is my favorite running back. This is his third year in the system if he doesn't get touches he will probably go on to be a all American next year or his senior season.
I am really impressed with his demeaner. Very dedicated and well spoken. I followed his career at NM State. As my Dine brother i hope you stay healthy and strong. Nizhoni…
Thanks for sharing with us Arkie
Shiyazh Pete Does anyone know his Twitter handle?
I do not think he is on Twitter
I was just browsing through my phone to see if there's a new young Native buck or women within the athletic program playing professionally are college which I normally do, Basketball, football, are even professional golf, etc., which I came across Pete playing for Kentucky Wildcats offensive guard 💂♂️ transfer from Albuquerque NM…
So I'm a new fan…
He has become a very popular Wildcat