Mizzou coach Derek Nicholson shows North Carolina roots with offer to rising 2028 LB Ryan Peterson
When Ryan Peterson received an offer from Missouri, he thought about the stories he heard of Derek Nicholson.
The Tigers linebackers coach, Nicholson extended a scholarship Thursday to Peterson, a Class of 2028 recruit at Cornelius (N.C.) William Amos Hough. Peterson’s 7-on-7 coach, Alonzo Dent, played high school football with Nicholson for Winston Salem (N.C.) Mount Tabor.
“That’s a blessing knowing he’s an NC high school legend and a great linebacker coach,” Peterson said. “I’ve always heard great stories. It’s truly an honor to be offered by him.”
Peterson attended Missouri’s road contest against South Carolina in 2024. The linebacker prospect admired Luther Burden III‘s game, noting the wide receiver’s fourth-down grab in the fourth quarter against the Gamecocks.
“Nick Bolton is also my favorite linebacker,” said Peterson, a 6-foot, 220-pound sophomore. “I pattern my game after his in many ways. So yes I’ve always been a fan of Mizzou. It produces a bunch of NFL talent.”
The linebacker is now in the process of adding Missouri to his fall schedule, planning to visit Oct. 11 for the Alabama game.
“I can’t wait to see the beautiful facilities, meet the coaches,” he said. “I’ve heard great things, so I’m extremely excited.”
