Rivals100 LB J.J. Peterson previews Army Game decision
SAN ANTONIO -- It's long been assumed that Rivals100 Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County linebacker J.J. Peterson would end up playing his college football in Tuscaloosa. The elite prospect has been leaning towards the Tide for the better part of his recruitment, with soon to be ex-defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt playing a major part in his recruitment.
But now with Pruitt taking over as the head coach at Tennessee, the Volunteers have suddenly surged in Peterson's recruitment and now he's set to announce his college decision during Saturday's Army All-American game.
"I decided to go ahead and announce during the game," Peterson said. "I want to make my decision now so I’m not wasting people’s time and holding spots at schools that could go to other players.”
Peterson said his phone has been constantly buzzing with schools trying to get in touch with him to set up visits after the dead period, but as of now he only has one trip set, a Jan. 12 visit to Knoxville.
"I’m taking my official to Tennessee Jan. 12 and that’s the only visit I have scheduled,” Peterson said. “[After that] I might just shut it down and keep working and just stay low and work on school.”
The Vols coaching staff, led by Pruitt, is a major reason why he is likely to commit to Tennessee despite never having set foot on campus.
"That’s my guy. Him and his staff, those are all guys that have been recruiting me so they’re all my guys," Peterson said. " The other people that are trying to talk to me now, they’re just stepping in so no matter if you do say 'l love you, you good bro, how about that,' you just started. I haven't been with you since my 11th grade year. I haven't been with you. It’s hard to build a relationship with someone you’re just now seeing and you’re about to go to college."
One of the coaches working to continue to build a relationship with Peterson is Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who is set to visit Peterson following the conclusion of the dead period.
"Coach Saban calls every once in a while but he wants to come see but I might just tell him to not waste his time," Peterson said. "He’s a business man. I respect him for being a great coach. It’s not that I don’t want to play for him it’s just I might have other opportunities elsewhere."
The chance to play and contribute early in his career is clearly weighing on Peterson's mind and both schools are pitching that possibility. The question in his mind is, which school actually has the easier path to the field?
"At Tennessee they’re saying I have a chance to come in and play and that’s what they’re saying at Alabama [too]," Peterson said. "But you’re Alabama, I know I can’t come in and play right away. My homeboy is there, Xavier McKinney, he’s one of the best players I’ve gone against. He’s a great player and he didn’t even play, so I’m like, if he didn’t even play when they were up, so there’s something wrong. I don’t want to get up there and just not get a chance. I don’t care about playing but I just want a chance and if you get a chance I’ll make something happen and if not I won’t do it."