Mitchell Blair
Brian Peters could be swinging a bat and carrying a glove, but he is wearing a helmet and is making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks much to the pleasure of the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
The 25-year-old linebacker has become an impact player for Richie Hall’s defense in just his second year, but he admits he could have been playing baseball.
“I had a lot of interest shown in me, but I decided not to play my senior year in high school.” Peters said. “I wanted to concentrate on football, but there were a lot of schools that showed some interest. I was more of a pitcher than a hitter. In the end though, I chose football and I’m glad I did.”
Playing linebacker was not what Peters played though as he finished off his high school career, he played tight end and kicker before finishing off as a safety. He says there is a reason why he liked the defensive side of the ball.
“My defensive coordinator in high school liked the way I hit during practices,” Peters admitted. “I had a knack for contact playing sideline to sideline from the free safety position, and it stuck. I felt I was better on defence than offence anyways, because I could catch, but I was never a real good blocker or a juker.”
After going to Northwestern, Peters came north of the border and was placed in the weakside linebacker position by the coaching staff in Riderville. He feels it’s a position that suits him perfectly.
“I was always a bigger safety so I evolved into the position by putting on a few more pounds, run sideline to sideline, stuff the run and cover the pass,” Peters said. “I really like the position because I feel it really fits my skill set.”
Head Coach Corey Chamblin is also impressed at what he has seen from Peters in his 2nd year.
“He’s done very well since he’s been here.” Chamblin said. “We had a role for him last year and he really succeeded at it. We knew he could take on a bigger role this year and he hasn’t disappointed. He just needed to get those first team reps and now that he has them, he is learning and quickly becoming one of our impact players.”
Peters says last year was a good indoctrination to the Canadian game and was something he was able to put in his backpocket as he came to training camp this year.
“From a front seven standpoint, the game isn’t that different up here from south of the border, you just have to know your keys, playing the run and learning your pass drops.” Peters stated. “I had a lot of help last year from guys like Rey (Williams) and Mike (McCullough). They helped make that learning curve a less gradual one for me as I came to camp this year.”
Peters, who not only leads the defence in tackles with 46, but special teams tackles with 14, knows he has a lot to learn yet, but he is certainly doing what the coaching staff wants him to do.
“There’s a lot to learn, but I feel like I’m taking something out of every practice and every game.” Peters said. “I just hope to keep evolving and getting better and try to be the best that I can at linebacker and help this team win. If that’s happening, I’ve got no complaints.”
Peters and the rest of the Riders will be on the field Sunday afternoon when the expansion Ottawa REDBLACKS come into Mosaic Stadium in a 2 o’clock start.
