Entering the 2011 season, many Tiger fans questioned the ability of LSU’s passing game, which finished 107th in the nation last year.
LSU graduated its leading receiver and lost its third-leading receiver and starting quarterback to off-field issues, leaving doubts lingering offensively.
Toss in the uncertainty of junior wide receiver Rueben Randle and his struggle with tendinitis, and LSU faced a real problem.
While many thought new additions like freshmen wide receivers Odell Beckham, Jr., and Jarvis Landry would receive the bulk of the looks, it was a familiar, yet somewhat forgotten face that found himself filling the void.
“Being an older guy, I see the young guys making plays, and I want to make plays too,” said senior tight end Deangelo Peterson. “I know I can run routes better than receivers. I’m focused and I’m ready to show up for my senior can.”
His most memorable contribution last season came in the fourth quarter against Alabama, when Peterson’s number was called on a 4th and one reverse that he brought to the 3-yard line, setting up the go-ahead touchdown.
Peterson finished fourth on the team with 16 receptions and 198 yards last year despite missing the first three games with an ankle injury.
Watching from the sidelines, Peterson said he used his down time as motivation for his senior campaign.
“I think the motivation and what helped me was me having a year under my belt last year,” Peterson said. “I was hurt the first three games, and having that experience only helped. Now I’ve just got to stay focused at practice and know what I’ve got to do and just come out and ball every forward.”
If you ask his coach, Peterson has done just that. LSU coach Les Miles commended Peterson on his transformation as a tight end and called 2011 “his teammate.”
 
____
Contact Mark Clements at [email protected]