When former unanimous five-star defensive back recruit Kevin Toliver II committed to LSU, the comparisons to former LSU standout and four-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson abounded.
Both were highly touted cornerbacks out of Florida, whose size and physical style of play made scouts drool over their next-level potential.
LSU coach Les Miles drew both from their home state, much to the chagrin of University of Florida and Florida State fans.
Despite their similarities and the role Peterson’s success at LSU played in bringing him to Baton Rouge, Toliver’s determination to make his own mark with the Tigers has fueled his rise to starting corner as a freshman.
“I want to make a name for myself like he made a name for himself,” Toliver said. “I’m just going to try my best.”
During his three seasons at Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, Toliver established himself as one the top cornerbacks in the country as he grew into his 6-foot-2-inch frame.
Toliver recorded 69 tackles, 14 pass breakups and three interceptions during his first two seasons, including 36 tackles and two interceptions in his junior campaign, according to 247sports.com.
Like Peterson, Toliver’s athletic capability allowed him to contribute offensively in high school. As a senior, he tallied 506 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns.
Despite many parallels between his high school career and Peterson’s, Toliver accomplished one feat in high school that eluded the 2010 All-American: a state title.
Toliver led Trinity Christian to its fourth and fifth state titles in 2013 and 2014.
He made up his mind early about joining the Tigers, a long-standing commitment Miles praised.
“Kevin Toliver was committed since his sophomore year and sets an all-time record for being committed for length of time and then going to the school of his choice,” Miles said on National Signing Day on Feb. 4.
Since enrolling early in the spring, Toliver has fit into the “Defensive Back University” family, following the lead of the Tigers’ veterans and adjusting to the speed and complexity of the college game.
While he said the hardest part of the transition from high school to college was the size of the playbook, Toliver said enrolling a semester early and going through spring camp gave him time to learn the plays and adjust to the faster speed of play.
Toliver’s development through spring practice and summer impressed his teammates.
“You’ve seen him develop from a high school player to a college player,” said senior safety Jalen Mills. “Going through spring, he was struggling a little bit, trying to catch up on the playbook and just playing at the same speed that we were playing at. Toward the end of spring and the summer time seven-on-seven and camp, you see the development and the process that he’s gone through.”
Along with learning from current Tigers, Toliver reached out to Peterson during fall camp to help him take his game to the next level.
Toliver said he sent a video of a play from one of LSU’s early scrimmages to Peterson for advice on how to improve.
“I talked to Patrick today,” Toliver said on LSU Media Day on Aug. 16. “I sent him a play from the scrimmage and told him what I need to work on, and he broke it down for me and everything. I really look up to him and take his advice on everything.”
Toliver’s natural ability combined with his hard work throughout the spring and fall will translate into immediate playing time as he started the season tied with junior Dwayne Thomas as the No. 1 corner opposite of junior Tre’Davious White on the week one depth chart.
Although statistics and starts do not count from LSU’s canceled game against McNeese State University, Toliver was on the field for the first defensive snap against the Cowboys and fulfilled his dream of running through the tunnel at Tiger Stadium.
Looking forward to the rest of the season, Toliver said he hopes to continue the tradition of “DBU” that Peterson exemplified.
“I grew up loving LSU,” Toliver said. “I always wanted to be a part of ‘DBU.’”