Prairie View Panthers quarterback Cam Peters has been through a lot that would challenge just about anyone’s resolve.
The Stafford product has bounced around a couple of schools, finally got a short-lived opportunity last season at Prairie View, then went through a coaching change, and, unlike others, decided to stick it out even though nothing was promised.
So staring at a situation that would seem daunting to most with 1st and 17 with two seconds remaining and his Panthers trailing rival Texas Southern in the season-opening Labor Day Classic, Peters knew exactly what play to call and where he needed to go with the ball.
Seeing that the Tigers had not adjusted to the empty backfield as Peters predicted, the senior quarterback stood in the pocket until his target, receiver Rodny Ojo, popped free in the middle of the end zone for the 17-yard reception that delivered the Panthers a thrilling 22-21 win.
“We had went empty early in the game and they couldn’t really adjust to it,” Peters said. “So coach asked what do you like here and we said empty again.
“We moved the back out and they didn’t adjust, and I saw the middle of the field open and I trusted my guy Ojo to beat the linebacker, and he did and you saw the results.”
As much as Peters went out of his way to make it sound like a team decision to call that play, Prairie View’s new coach, Tremaine Jackson, set the record straight afterwards.
“This guy called the last play. He ain’t going to tell you that,” said Jackson, who has not yet made his players available to the media. “He called it. He asked for it. He won’t tell you, but I will tell you. This dude has been through a lot in his career.
“He won the quarterback job. It wasn’t given to him. We put him down through that. So for this dude to call the last play… When we named him the starting quarterback two weeks ago, I knew what I was getting. It’s two people who go to the press conference after every game, me and the quarterback, and I ain’t going with nobody soft. Here we are sitting here at the end of the day. I’m really proud of this dude right here.”
But let’s be honest: In college football, this isn’t how it normally goes. Coaches usually go with the guys they have personally recruited, not the holdover from the previous coaching staff.
Peters also could have easily decided to leave, which went a long way with Jackson, who clearly had no problem turning over the roster. There were 70 new Panthers on the field at Shell Energy Stadium.
The one thing Peters will tell is that he has learned a lot about himself through this whole ordeal.
“Pretty much I just put all my faith in God, and I appreciate Coach for giving me an opportunity to be a starting quarterback,” Peters said. “I knew it came with a lot of responsibilities. Really, the responsibility to lead the team and to be a captain, and it’s just a blessing.”
Another blessing for Peters has been former head coach Bubba McDowell. The two became close during their time together on the Hill.
McDowell, recognizing some of Peters’ challenges, sought out some help for him. While the nature of their relationship has changed, McDowell is still a phone call or text away and was on hand for the 40th Labor Day Classic to support Peters and his former players.
Jackson shifted a little in his seat but offered some nods of approval as Peters talked about his former head coach.
“I appreciate Coach McDowell because he has been there for me,” Peters said. “He gave me a mental coach, somebody I can go to who can help me with my game, help me with things like graduating and stuff like that, so I really appreciate Coach Bubb.
“I actually have to text him back because he did text me, so I appreciate Coach Bubb.”
After Coley went down during last year’s opener with a season-ending injury, Peters stepped in as the starter for a few games before ultimately losing the spot. This year, he was easily the most experienced quarterback on the Panthers’ roster, which probably gave him an edge in the competition that Jackson didn’t reveal the winner of until game time.
Peters started out impressively enough, but he and his team struggled. He completed 22 of 38 passes for 295 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
“It feels good, but it’s just Game 1 and we have a whole season ahead of us,” Peters said. “We have to get ready for Game 2 and we have to be short-minded.”
