The Cardinal Countdown: 35 Days Until Kickoff

#35 Zay Peterson

Class: Freshman

Ht/Wt: 6-1/210

Position: Linebacker

Hometown: Bradenton, FL

Twitter: @ZayPeterson

Thoughts: Although Peterson didn’t get a ton of run last year (appeared in one game) I still think he has a shot to be a solid contributor in the seasons to come. The concern with Peterson was his time “away” from the game as he transferred to IMG Academy as a Senior in high school and did not see the field as much as he did at his previous high school. With not much tape to go on the staff either overvalued Peterson or got a steal, and I guess the jury is still out.

Nearly everyone pegged Zay as the likely replacement at the Card position after the departure of Rodjay Burns as he has nice size and good speed to play outside. I’m not sure if the staff expected Zay to be ready in 2021 but the move of Fagot down to that spot to battle with Dallas indicates to me he may not be there just yet, and to me, that’s okay. Zay got a free year along with everyone else so he still has four seasons of eligibility, but I would like to see him get some reps this year if they expect him to be in that position this time next year.

Like I noted above, I think Peterson has the potential to be in a solid spot to learn from some older guys and get a chance to contribute at either the OLB or maybe break in on special teams. Looking forward to seeing what Zay can do and how the staff will use him.

Sweet Tweet:

Only five weeks until we see Zay and others go full Orville Redenbacher on Kiffin and his boys in the ATL.