Shortly after 4:31 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2003, Stephen Peterman knew his life had taken on a more significant meaning. His wife, Colleen, had just given birth to their first child, Stephen Frederick, Jr., and as a new father, Peterman was at the same time filled with joy and awed by the magnitude of becoming a parent.
Already regarded as one of the best offensive guards in the country, Peterman realized his intensity level on the field would increase as he faced more responsibilities at home.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling being a father; it really teaches you what love is all about,” Peterman explained. “It’s unbelievable how much it has affected me. It motivates me each week just to play harder. Hopefully, one day I can take my talents to the next level and provide for my family, so I want to make them proud and make everyone around LSU proud.”
Peterman takes pride in his reputation as a relentless competitor who thrives in the trenches.
“I don’t want to lose, and when I go on the field I want to dominate my opponent every play,” he explained. “If I look at the film after a game, and I see one play that I got beat, that will make me mad. I mainly try to go out there and not get beat on any play and just dominate my guy the whole game.”
Peterman, a 6-4, 321-pound senior from Waveland, Miss., was the recipient of numerous accolades in the pre-season. First-Team All-American … First-Team All-SEC … Rated the nation’s No. 1 offensive guard by The Sporting News. And, as a group, the LSU offensive line is being touted as one of the best in school history. That recognition notwithstanding, Peterman believes the LSU “O-Line” must earn every honor it receives.
“I thank everybody that thinks that about us and about me,” Peterman said, “but if we don’t come out each week and prove ourselves, those things are never going to come true. We worked hard this summer, we’re real good competitors who don’t like to lose. Each week we’re going to work to get better and better, and by the end of the season we could be the best line in the country.”
A vital factor in the development of the offensive line, Peterman said, has been the guidance offered by assistant coach Stacy Searels, a former NFL lineman who is in his first season on the LSU staff.
“Coach Searels is a perfectionist and ever since he’s been here, he’s done a lot with my technique,” Peterman said. “Every day he demands your best effort. He’s a great guy who cares about us both off the field and on the field. When you’re on the field, he’s going to push you, and when you’re off the field, he’s going to be your best friend.”
A first-team all-state tight end at St. Stanislaus High School, Peterman took a circuitous route to his current position of starting right guard. LSU coach Nick Saban moved him from tight end to defensive end during 2000 pre-season drills, and Peterman made eight tackles in nine games that season as a true freshman.
Peterman continued to work at defensive end during 2001 spring practice before Saban suggested a switch to offensive guard.
“Coach Saban moved me to the O-line right after spring practice, so I really didn’t get a chance to play it,” Peterman said. “I went through the whole summer trying to gain a little weight, and then two-a-days came around. It took me about two weeks; I got the starting job and that’s when I realized that this is probably what I’m the best at and this is where my home is.”
Peterman excelled at left guard, starting 12 of 13 games for LSU’s 2001 SEC championship squad. He continued his progression in 2002, earning first-team all-SEC recognition while allowing only one sack and committing just one penalty all season.
Peterman endured one last position change prior to this season, as he was moved from left guard to right guard, where he plays next to fellow senior Rodney Reed, the Tigers’ Academic All-American right tackle.
Peterman, Reed and junior center Ben Wilkerson provide veteran leadership both for the offensive line and for the entire squad; however, Peterman believes the upperclassmen aren’t alone in their obligation to influence team chemistry.
“You’ve got to have a core group of seniors to be successful,” Peterman said, “but it can’t just be the seniors, it’s got to be everybody on the team. That’s what is so great about our team, it’s not just seniors that are our leaders; it’s a bunch of guys that are leaders. The guys have taken responsibility for themselves, and that’s what you need to be a good team. I think our team is headed in the right direction; we’re hungry, and we need to just keep playing hard.”
Along with the shared leadership responsibilities, Peterman views discipline — both on the field and in the classroom — as another of the LSU program’s strengths.
“If you don’t get in the classroom and do your job there, you’re not going to graduate and you’re not going to play,” Peterman said. “Discipline is necessary in going to class and staying on top of your studies. You can’t be irresponsible in the classroom and then be responsible on the football field. How you produce in the classroom affects how you produce on the field.”
Peterman has produced superbly in all facets of his four-year college career at LSU, where he entered as an eager teenager and will leave as an accomplished football player, husband and father.
“LSU is the best place I’ve ever been in my life,” he said. “I met my wife here and my son was born in Louisiana. There are so many people who have a love for this university. It’s a great place to be, and I don’t see how anyone would not want to come here. I’ve been to schools all around the country, and none of them can compare to LSU. This is the best place to play college football, and our fans and players make that happen.”