Corey Peters

It is rare that a four-year starter, first-team all-conference pick from the SEC with legitimate NFL size and athleticism can leave school underrated. Peters, however, may prove to be that rare exception. Overshadowed by former teammates Trevard Lindley and Micah Johnson, who certainly made flashier plays in Lexington, Peters was a consistent and key cog in the middle, averaging 30 tackles, seven tackles for loss and three sacks over 2007-08, his first two full starting seasons. While Lindley and Johnson struggled with injury and inconsistency in 2009, Peters took his game to the next level, posting career highs in tackles (42.5) and tackles for loss (12) and matching his previous career high with four sacks. Peters was especially productive in games against Georgia (7.5 tackles, two tackles for loss) and South Carolina (6.5 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks), earning a spot on the first-team all-SEC squad based largely on these performances. Scouts would like to see more consistency out of Peters, but the athleticism, size and durability are there. In a draft not as deep with talent along the defensive line, Peters would have earned much more attention this year. As it stands, he might be among the more unknown middle-round talents at defensive tackle in the country.

strength

Stands too upright out of his stance, negating his own strength and too often being knocked back in short-yardage situations. Improving upper-body strength to stack and control his opponent. Can slide off the block to make the tackle at or near the line of scrimmage.

explosion

Flashes an explosive burst off the snap with an initial surge to knock the guard backward to disrupt the play before it even has a chance to begin. Needs to show greater strength and use of leverage when fighting blocks. Lack of explosive strength is evident in his tackling.

tackling

Makes most of his tackles at or a few yards past the line of scrimmage by slipping of blocks and dragging down the ballcarrier. Lacks explosiveness as a hitter. Shows a good burst to close when he is given a free lane and hustles laterally and downfield in pursuit. Shows some agility and good balance when on the move and can trip up smaller, more elusive ball-carriers due to his long arms.

intangibles

Took his academics seriously. Earned recognition as a National Scholar-Athlete in high school and made the SEC Academic Honor-Roll after the 2007 and 2008 seasons. Earned his secondary social-studies degree in December of 2009. Steadily improved on the field throughout his career. Earned Most-Improved Defender award, as voted by the UK coaching staff, after the 2007 season. Voted UK's Most Outstanding Defensive Player after the 2009 regular seasons. Also recognized with the Jerry Claiborne Award, presented to an offensive and defensive senior based on academic success and a team attitude.

run defense

Good initial burst to create a disruption inside. Locates the ball and works to get to it. Comes off the snap too high, negating his own strength. Moves well laterally and keeps his feet when moving backward. Strong and active enough to slide off blocks and meet the ballcarrier in the hole. Good pursuit laterally and downfield for a player of his size.

pass rush

Relies on his initial burst off the snap and good closing speed to pressure the pocket. Too often resorts to a simple bull rush when his initial quickness is contained. Shows minimal pass-rush technique but he continues fighting inside. Has enough size and athleticism to warrant development in this area, but is raw.

One of the nation’s top-25 defensive tackle prospects by Rivals.com

Four-year letterman and three-year starter in the defensive line for Central HS in Louisville

First-team all-state as a senior by the Louisville Courier-Journal and second-team all-state by The Associated Press

Chosen for the Lexington Herald-Leader “Class of the Commonwealth” list of the top-22 seniors in the state

Named to the “Kentucky Tremendous 26” by the state coaches association

Senior year stats included 91 total tackles, approximately 15 quarterback sacks, three interceptions, five fumbles caused, three fumble recoveries, and seven pass breakups

On offense, he posted a winning blocking grade each game and totaled approximately 40 pancake blocks

Team went to the state playoffs all three years, with a best finish of 10-3 and a trip to the state quarterfinals his junior year

All-South Region pick by PrepStar

The No. 3 prospect in Kentucky by Rivals.com and No. 7 by SuperPrep

Team’s Most Valuable Player, an unusual honor for a lineman

Played in the Kentucky-Tennessee High School All-Star Game

Coached by Steve Serotte

“Corey is a disciplined, mentally tough player who is very coachable, very attentive, and an excellent student,” Serotte said. “He has great agility. He never took a break, playing O-Line and D-Line. He paid the price in the off-season, which enabled him to do that.”

A four-year letterman on the wrestling team and advanced to the state meet every year

Placed sixth in the state wrestling meet as a senior

Played baseball for two years before switching to the track and field team

Competed in the shot put and discus throw

Honor-roll student who received perfect-attendance awards for two years in high school

Received a national scholar-athlete award

Named a Kentucky Governor’s Scholar

Decided on Kentucky over Ohio State, Michigan, Auburn, and Louisville.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Son of Vanessa Peters and Clifton Peters

Major is secondary education. Participated in service events at Johnson Elementary School and as a bellringer for the Salvation Army (2006).