Ryan earns the #1 spot in our rankings here after a stellar sophomore season in helping lead the Huskies to a state championship. Ryan’s instincts are impressive in both stopping the run and covering the middle of the field in the passing game. His highlights show him excelling well in both areas, with a great ability to shed blocks and make tackles in the open field, while reading quarterbacks and picking the ball off in the middle of the field, returning interceptions for touchdowns. As you would expect, Ryan’s recruiting is a who’s who of Power 4 football programs. His latest offers have come from Ohio State, South Carolina, Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, NC State, Auburn, Texas, East Carolina, Texas A&M, LSU, & Penn State since January 22nd! Incredible.

Ryan Peterson Ryan Peterson 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB William A. Hough | 2028 State NC , sophomore linebacker, announced himself on the biggest stage by earning Defensive Player of the Game honors in the 8A State Championship. He backed that performance up with a strong season overall, totaling 72 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks. A true sideline-to-sideline defender, Peterson plays with range, physicality, and instincts well beyond his years. He triggers downhill quickly, finishes in space, and consistently finds himself around the football. With his motor, production, and athletic profile, he projects as a sure-fire Power 4 athlete whose stock will only continue to rise.

Hough’s defense was outstanding all season, and despite being surrounded by Power Four talent, Peterson stood out amongst his peers on that unit. He flies to the ball and is already one of the best linebackers in pass coverage in the entire state, regardless of class. The crazy thing is that he likely has plenty of room to improve before he hits his ceiling, something that—as a sophomore—only helps his evaluation. Still, Peterson’s isn’t a case of banking on upside. He has the production, instincts, and athletic ability to shine at the Power Four level.

Sophomore Ryan Peterson Ryan Peterson 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB William A. Hough | 2028 State NC from Hough played on another level in the state championship and was a true tone-setter at linebacker. He was everywhere — flying sideline to sideline while also stacking up tackles between the lines of scrimmage. Peterson showed elite instincts and toughness, always around the ball and finishing plays. What really separates him is his versatility in pass defense: whether blitzing off the edge or dropping into coverage against a slot receiver or running back, he consistently made an impact. He’s everything you want in a modern linebacker — athletic, physical, and smart. A true difference-maker at the position

Ryan had another strong game, this time showing his prowess blitzing from depth and off the edge, collecting two sacks for the game. Ryan also did a great job in tackling in space with good speed in getting to the football, and good technique in getting the ball carrier to the ground.