Oklahoma State University Athletics
Meet Nathan Peterson
August 16, 2004 | Cowboy Football
“It has helped me a lot. A lot of times, guys have trouble making the transition from high school to college football. It is a lot different. It has been rough and it is hard to do, but coming in for the spring has helped me out. Right now, I am just trying to learn the defense well and learn from Marque (Fountain) and Trumain (Carroll). They have helped me out a lot and I just watch and learn from them.”
What is it to make the early jump from high school to college?
“It is like a slap in the face. At first, I was like, ‘What am I doing?'. Looking back I am glad I did it. I got 16 hours and I got adjusted to the college thing and I know what is expected now. I learned a lot. I got adjusted to a new defense and am still adjusting to it. It is really hard, but I am working at it.”
How has your first preseason camp gone?
“It is hard, but when we get in there and do that stuff at the end of practice, we keep each other up. It would be easy to get down. We try to make the best of practice and keep each other up and make it as fun as we can. We have really good coaches and they help make it fun.”
What do you feel you can do to help this team as a freshman?
“Anything I can. Anything from special teams to getting in on certain situations. I would love to play if I can. If not, I will redshirt and I have no problem with that. Whatever they want me to do, I will do. I am just glad to be here because not many people get this opportunity.”
How special is it to get to play this close to home?
“Just thinking about it sends chills up and down my spine. We were watching the highlight film last night and this is a dream come true for me. I grew up in Tulsa and I have always been a fan of OSU. Just thinking about getting to play here in front of my family and friends is going to be the most thrilling experience. It is a dream come true. I never thought I would have this opportunity. I just hoped I would. Now that it is coming true, I am excited and ready to go.”
How has playing at a prominent high school program prepared you for college football?
“It helps because you go against the top competition and have the most players and the biggest guys. Still, you think you are ready, but it is a big transition. When you get here, everyone thinks they are going to come in and start or do this, but when you get here it is a lot different. You have to work on everything and perfect your technique, perfect your knowledge of the game. You have to be perfect in everything.”
What has been your biggest adjustment?
“It is without a doubt the plays and the rules you have to learn on the field. It is a totally different thing. There are a lot more rules you have to learn and perfect. You have to do your job on the field on that play. If you don't you leave someone else out and you can mess up the whole play. You have to have everything perfect. That is what is the hardest and is a lot different from high school.”
What is your biggest asset you bring to the field?
“I am not real vocal out there. In high school, I was one of those guys that tried to lead by example, so I would like to be that type of player, but I am a freshman. Hopefully, I can work into that role soon -— a leader by example. That is what I would like to be.”
Why Oklahoma State?
“I have always wanted to play here. I have grown up and been raised a fan. I wore the little Coach Gundy jersey when I was little. When I started getting recruited, everything I was looking for seemed to fit in perfectly here. I like all of the coaches and I get along well with the players. It is close to home and everything seemed to fit. It couldn't have worked out any better, so I am glad to be here.
