Former Columbia High School standout and Jones County Junior College safety Fred Peters announced Wednesday that he is committed to play at Mississippi State in 2019.
The sophomore said the all-around feel of the program was big selling point.
“I liked the atmosphere, all the coaches and the environment there,” he said. “I’ve talked to most of the coaches there, and I think they’re pretty good coaches.”
Peters, who previously starred as an electric running back with game-breaking speed and video-game like moves for Columbia, has developed into one of the best free safeties in the entire country during his time at Jones. The 5-foot-10, 202-pounder is rated as a 4-star prospect by Rivals and the No. 25 JUCO recruit nationally by 247Sports Composite, with eight other FBS offers including Florida, Ole Miss, West Virginia and Colorado.
Peters mixes superb athleticism with innate instincts in coverage, great striking ability at the point of attack and has a nose for the ball. Through the Bobcats’ first seven games this season, Peters has 30 tackles, six tackles for loss, two pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception. As a freshman he led the team with 64 tackles, had two tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and scored two touchdowns on defense.
“He’s an instinctive football player with outstanding football IQ. He’s always around the football, and he’s a great tackler,” Jones head coach Steve Buckley said. “What has always intrigued me about Fred is anytime there’s an interception, a fumble on the ground or a blocked kick, he’s always coming up with the football.”
For all of his athletic prowess, though, it’s his drive and commitment that stood out to Buckley. From willingly switching positions to never missing a single workout or practice, Buckley said Peters has been a joy to coach.
“Fred has not changed who he is. He came in here as a character young man, and he’s leaving here as a character young man. He does everything he’s asked to do. He’s probably the most unselfish player I’ve ever been around,” he said. “When I talk about Fred, it starts with the accountability and character. He just takes care of business.”
The Bulldogs, which are currently 4-2, are graduating both starting safeties following the season, one of which is former East Marion star Johnathan Abram, who is expected to be a high pick in the NFL Draft. Peters said he believes playing at the junior college level will help him make the leap to the SEC and potentially replace the fellow Columbian in the starting lineup next fall.
“I think my two years at Jones prepared me well. I learned a lot as a JUCO player,” he said. “It’s hard to play in the JUCO league because everybody wants to make it to the next level, so they’re playing hard every snap.”
Peters is set to graduate from Jones in December and will be an early enrollee at Mississippi State in January.
