Hard-Working Peetz Set to Continue Tradition

By Christina Deck
Lincoln -- Senior Phil Peetz is ready to make a difference on the field this season for the Huskers. A tight end by trade, the Elkhorn, Neb., native has earned the opportunity to see the most action of his college football career in 2003.

In his third year as a tight end and final year of eligibility, Peetz has worked his way up to second on the depth chart at the position behind sophomore Matt Herian. Peetz hopes to be a major contributor to NU's success, and his determination will help him build on last year's performance.

"I want to be able to contribute to the team in any way that I can," Peetz said. "If that means I am out there a majority of the time (just) blocking and trying to help us in the run game, then that is what I will do. If the coaches want me to catch a pass or two, then I will. At this point, I just want to do whatever the coaches ask me to do so I can better myself on the field and help the team."

At 6-2, 270 pounds, Peetz provides NU with a physical blocker at tight end, a perfect fit for its run-oriented offense.

"Phil will be in the game early and bring a lot of things to the table that our offense needs. He has the ability to block and to be a receiver," tight ends coach Scott Downing said. "He is not so much of a vocal leader, but he leads by example and is greatly respected by his teammates for his efforts."

Last year, Peetz saw limited time as a tight end, but played in 11 of NU's games, mostly as a member of Nebraska's PAT and field goal units.

"For the past couple of years, we have had some great blocking guys like Aaron Golliday, Jon Bowling, Will Dabbert and Tracey Wistrom," Peetz said. "I would like to keep that line going of successful blocking tight ends."

Before redshirting as a freshman in 1999, Peetz was a lineman at Elkhorn High School and was a three-time first-team Class B all-state honoree by the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald.

In 2000, Peetz was moved from the line to rush end before the season in order to give NU more depth. By 2001, Peetz was a converted tight end, and he played in all of NU's games.

Now in 2003, Peetz would like to play a bigger role in the Huskers' offense. He is looking to give 100 percent and demonstrate his abilities on the field.

"Phil is a hard worker and a perfectionist who wants to do everything right the first time," Downing said. "We use the term relentless this year. We want them to be relentless, whether it is on the field or in the classroom, and Phil exemplifies this term."

Peetz also has a tremendous amount of confidence in his own abilities as a team player and in his team as it prepares to face a tough schedule. Peetz is optimistic about the season and its potential outcomes.

"I honestly think we have a shot to do really well. The guys have been practicing really hard during winter and summer conditioning," Peetz said. "We are in great shape this year, and there is no reason why we couldn't do well this season."

Outside of earning two letters in football, Peetz has also excelled in his academic endeavors. A standout in the classroom, Peetz graduated in May 2003 with a 3.836 GPA with a degree in criminal justice. In addition, he was a two-time first-team academic All-Big 12 pick and will be a candidate for academic honors this fall.

He was also named to the Big 12 Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll seven times during his career. He earned 4.0 grade-point averages in four different semesters, including the 2003 spring semester. He is currently enrolled in graduate classes at Nebraska.

"Phil is a bright, smart guy, who is very coachable," Downing said. "He puts himself into everything he does."