Post-OSU Update: Kenny Peterson was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 79th pick (3rd round) of the 2003 NFL Draft. Peterson played seven seasons, three years with the Packers and his final four with the Broncos. He started 14 of 16 games in his final season (2009), making 40 tackles (2 TFL). (updated. Sep. 2022)

Major: Sociology (2001-02), Business (1999-00)

Weight: 265 (1999-02), 250 (1998)

2002 Media Guide: Kenny Peterson has spent the majority of his first three years at defensive end, but moved to tackle in the spring in order to augment the defensive line and get the best four football players on the field at the same time … gives the Buckeyes excellent size, quickness and know-how on the inside … described by defensive line coach Jim Heacock as having “big play potential” … has been a solid player throughout his career, but based on his performance this past spring is ready for a “breakout” year … tough to tie up because of his quick feet and strength … has 31 games under his belt, including a pair of starts last year when he was one of five ends in the “starting rotation”.

2001 Season: Played in all 12 games and recorded a career high in minutes (156) … also had a career high in tackles with 24, including six tackles-for-loss and three sacks … started the Purdue
and Penn State games and played at least 10 minutes in all but one game (Akron) … top individual effort was six tackles against South Carolina … had a key sack and forced fumble at Michigan.

2001 Media Guide: Kenny Peterson is one of two contenders for the starting spot at left end (the other being Darrion Scott), succeeding Rodney Bailey … backed up Bailey last year and always played well when called upon … had 15 tackles last year, including seven TFLs and three sacks … physical player with the ability to shed blockers and get to the ball carrier … tough to tie up because of his quick feet … gained valuable experience last year in pressure situations and that experience should be a plus this year … played on the same high school team as Mike Doss and Jamar Martin.

2000 Season: Played in all 12 games and logged 114 minutes of playing time … played at least 10 minutes in eight games … came off the bench against Minnesota and responded with four tackles, including two for losses … also had a pair of TFLs at Arizona.

2000 Media Guide: It’s only a matter of time for Kenny Peterson. A rising star on the Ohio State defense, Peterson is loaded with upside, according to the OSU coaching staff. He learned tons of invaluable lessons about defensive schemes and offensive fronts the past two years and is now ready to let his natural athleticism take over. Peterson stands out from other defensive ends because of his lightning quick instincts, Jim Heacock, defensive line coach, said. He feels pressure before it gets there and fights through it extremely well. “Kenny is loaded with potential,” Heacock said. “The key for him is getting more experience and more confidence.” Peterson is listed as a backup defensive end on the preseason depth chart but look for him to get plenty of playing time in Ohio State’s deep defensive line rotation.

1999: Played in nine games … notched his first collegiate interception against Iowa and showed his athleticism by returning the pick 31 yards deep into Hawkeye territory … season-high in minutes played was six against Iowa.

1999 Media Guide: Kenny Peterson had a tremendous spring camp that has left him in position to get extensive playing time as a redshirt freshman this season. Quicker, stronger and at least 15 pounds heavier than when he reported last fall, Peterson, an OSU Scholar-Athlete, knows how to give great effort in the classroom and on the field. “Kenny knows what it is to give great effort,” ends coach Shawn Simms said. “He made a lot of plays this spring on effort alone. He is still learning the game, but he is already as good a pass rusher as anyone on the line.”

1998: Travelled with the team but ended up redshirting the 1998 season as a true freshman.

1998 Media Guide: Regarded as the No. 1 defensive lineman in Ohio and, possibly, the Midwest as a senior … a consensus high school All-American who was named one of the top 25 players in the country as a senior by the National Recruiting Advisor … Ohio Football Recruiting News’ No. 1 player in Ohio … joins high school teammate Jamar Martin in the 1998 OSU recruiting class … McKinley won the Ohio Division I title this past year (14-0) and also earned distinction as the USA Today national high school champion … racked up 101 tackles including 22 tackles for loss with 15 quarterback sacks as a senior … son of Debra and John Peterson … born Nov. 21, 1978.