After speed and positional training 6 days a week with a second to none work ethic, Benet’s 2018 MLB Devin Petersen is looking for his first offer. We also chatted schools he’s been in touch with and his strengths on the field.

You can find Devin on Twitter @DevinPetersen32.

Devin Petersen

Middle Linebacker
Benet
Lisle, IL

Ht: 6’0″
Wt: 215 lbs
Class: 2018

Commitment status: Undecided

LPI: What were the most important things you did this offseason and are now doing in practice so you can improve this season?

DP: At the end of last season I set some specific goals to reach the larger overall goal, which was to become an all-around better football player and put myself in a better position to compete this year. In order to accomplish this I first concentrated on gaining weight and getting stronger, while maintaining my speed. I’ve gained 27Lbs since this time last year while improving my 40 time to a 4.84 and improving my pro shuttle to a 4.13. The second focus was and is continuing to study my position and become an expert at it. The hitting and tackling has always been easy, but really wanted to work on reads, being in position and especially pass coverage.

I started training six days a week the week after last years’ playoff loss. I trained at Don Beebe’s House of Speed football academy and also working with Malik Jackson of SBBM, for position specific skill improvement. I was able to work on my pass coverage by competing at 7on7 tournaments with North Shore Elite.

LPI: You currently don’t have any offers, but are trying to prove to schools you have what it takes to play at the next level. What are your greatest strengths or why should a school offer you?

DP: I’ve always been able to compete at a high level. I’m continuing to work hard to compete at the current as well next level by working out 6 days a week and attending many different college camps this past spring and summer.

My greatest strength on the field is my football IQ which is essential to my position as a middle linebacker. I’ve been able to use my strength to clog the middle in run situations. With my speed and agility I’ve been able to cover pass in the open field and also able to be in plays on outside run situations.

LPI: Offer or not, which schools have you kept in contact with the most? Or which schools have shown interest in you?

DP: I’ve been in close contact with Coach Inge at Indiana University. After camping there this summer I was invited back down to their game against Ball State. Another school I have been in close contact with is Coach Tumpkin at The Colorado University at Boulder. After visiting the coaching staff this spring I was invited back to attend a practice this summer and to meet with the coaches again. Other schools I have been in contact with and visited are Colorado State and Miami of Ohio.

LPI: Where have you visited most recently and do you have any visits coming up?

DP: My most recent visit was Indiana when I was invited to their game against Ball State. Before that I visited Colorado for the second time this year. Right now my sole focus is on my team and the playoffs but plan to visit other programs who are interested after the season.

LPI: After starting 0-1 the Redwings have won 6 of 7 and have put themselves in position for a good playoff seed. What are you team goals for the rest of this year and what are you guys going to do to achieve them?

DP: Our goal from day one has been to win state. We have done anything in our power to accomplish this including extra film and extra practice, but most importantly our commitment to each other.

LPI: Alec McEachern has been getting D1 looks on your squad. Who are some of your other teammates that you believe have a chance to play at the next level?

DP:

Jack Sznajder (QB): He’s been a 3 year varsity starter and rightfully so. He is 6’2″ 205Lbs with an accurate arm and can run the ball effectively. He is, in my opinion, one of the best leaders on the team.

Nick Keyes (Receiver/Corner): Is the fastest on our team with good hands and one of the best route runners.

Ben Cooney (DB): He can guard anyone you put in front of him. With 7 interceptions so far this year he is very agile, an incredibly tough athlete and has one of the top football IQ’s on our team.

Ryan Liszka (OLB): He’s one of the leaders in tackle for loss this year and last. He is also one of the hardest hitters on the team and can catch the ball with 2 interceptions this year.

Jack Eschenback (WR): A 6’7″ receiver with great hands, very good speed and has made a lot of big catches for us this year.