TIFTON —
The Irwin County Indians had a terrific 2012 season and one of their top players will get some recognition in early January.
Junior Ryan Peterson will be traveling to Orlando, Fla. on Jan. 3-4 to participate in the Under Armour Combine.
“We’re really excited,” said Peterson’s coach, Jon Lindsey.
Lindsey knows for certain in Orlando that Peterson will be tested in the 40-yard dash, bench pressing, vertical leap and three-cone drill running.
While the Under Armour Combine focuses mainly on senior athletes, 150 juniors from around the nation are also invited to participate in the drills
“I think he’ll do quite well,” he said.
The Indians finished with a 7-4 record in 2012, their first winning record since 2007 and first trip to the playoffs since 2009. They also defeated Charlton County, their first win over that school in over 20 years. Peterson was one of the key reasons for success.
The halfback led Irwin County in rushing this season, gaining 851 yards on only 74 carries, for a meaty average of 11.5 yards per carry. While the Indians mostly relied on the ground game, he put up sizeable numbers in receiving yardage as well.
Peterson only had six catches, but they went for an incredible 161 yards and four touchdowns.
While Peterson certainly had eye-catching numbers and while Irwin County has had three NFL players — including Justin Anderson, who is currently on the Colts practice squad — Lindsey had to rely on a few connections to get his player from Ocilla to Orlando.
“Not many recruiters come through here,” he said.
While attending the state quarterfinal game between Camden County Wildcats and Norcross Blue Devils, Lindsey chatted with friends of his on the Camden sidelines. The Irwin coach himself is the former Wildcats defensive coordinator. One of the coaches had an association with Under Armour and through him, Peterson’s name was submitted.
Though Lindsey knew his top rusher was indeed talented, even he admitted to being a little shocked when Peterson received the invitation to go.
“We were very surprised, but very glad how it turned out,” he said.
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Related Photos
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Ryan Peterson gets off to a flying start on a handoff against the Charlton County Indians in a 2012 game. Sandy McClurd
Irwin’s Peterson to participate in Under Armour Combine
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