Interview: Determination and Versatility Makes 2021 OL Danny Peters a Top Overlooked California Recruit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Versatility in the trenches on the offensive side of the ball is hard to come by, few can do it all, but Danny Peters can. The 6-5, 295-pound, lineman has played every position in the trenches for St. Francis High School and will settle back in at left tackle for his senior season. His play along the line a year ago earned him Angelus League Offensive Lineman of the Year, All-Area, and All-League Academic honors. The adaptability and determination Peters brings to the field makes him one of California’s top under recruited Class of 2021 talents.
In an RNG first-look, Peters covers ground on his play on the field, offseason workouts, and schools closely watching his progress in the trenches.
Interview
Danny, because of your athleticism the St. Francis coaches had you doing just about everything possible from pulling to getting out on the second level on delay plays. In your own words, what all were you doing from your tight tackle spot a year ago?
At tackle, I was mostly trying to get to the second level, especially with our running back. If we can make room for him, he will go far. In pass-pro, playing tackle is a big deal. I had to make sure my quarterback has time to get the ball out. That was a big emphasis as well. As you said, pulling was a big thing, the violence up field, and getting them on the floor.
What other positions along the line did you play last season beside tackle?
I have played mostly every position. During my sophomore year I was at left guard then they moved me over to center for rest of the year. During my junior year I moved to left tackle, started and then moved to right tackle towards the end. This upcoming year I will be playing left tackle.
Versatile. When the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game with your run blocking?
With my run blocking, getting to the second level, opening up those holes, finishing off plays, staying with blocks, and going to the whistle. On double teams, I was making sure I get a cross block and I was getting to the outside to seal the gap for the running back.
What about with your pass-pro?
I have pretty good footwork and good hands. I can adjust quickly to anything the defense is throwing at me. If they cut under, I can push them inside. On a speed rush, I can push them far so they cannot get to the quarterback.
What style of offense will you guys get into this season?
I believe we will run a Spread offense. We have some tight stuff too with the tight ends and we will run the football. We have a great running back in Max (Garrison) back there and a great group of receivers too. We will be able to do what we want on offense this season.
You got some snaps on defense last season, will we see more of that this year?
Yes. I will be on defense more this upcoming season.
*(Five Games): Seven tackles, five solo, and one pass batted down
That will be fun for me to see. Over the spring and summer months, what have you been working on with your technique on offense?
I have been seeing a speed coach to work on my speed and footwork. That has been a big point of emphasis for me as an offensive lineman. You have to have good footwork. I want to be faster for when I do pull to get to the linebacker and to keep up with my running back guiding them to the end zone.
How have you added more power to your game with your workouts this offseason?
Doing a lot of squats, bench press, a lot of upper body stuff. I have focused on legs to have more power down there. I have also been doing a lot of core work, that has been a big part of my regular workouts as well.
There is a little bit of time from now until the California season begins first of January. What short-term goals do you want to accomplish before the season begins?
I want to get back with my team, build up the chemistry for the season, and stay in shape and not get lazy. The big goal is getting the team back together to get the chemistry going to be on the same page for a great season.
I like it. Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are ready to see you get after it during your senior season?
I have talked to UNLV, Arizona, and had a meeting with Oregon State. There are some D-III schools like Linfield, Concordia in Chicago, and Azusa Pacific showing interest. I have been talking to them.
This summer, did you get to take any virtual visits?
Yes. I visited Linfield in Oregon and Concordia.
If visits were allowed this weekend, are there any trips you’d like to take?
Yes, I’d like to visit UNLV, that is a school I am very interested in, I have one planned for Concordia in about a month, waiting to see if it will happen, Linfield in Oregon, and if I get the chance, Arizona would be a cool school to go visit.
Danny, it was a lot of fun covering ground with you today. I appreciate it and wish you success as you continue to prepare for your senior season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Peters family; Danny Peters