Petersen wooed by Louisville, gets offer

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• By Richard Davenport
• 6:00AM on August 21st, 2009

Many factors go into evaluating prospects. Colleges do their research by looking at film and talking to coaches and teachers, but the face-to-face meeting between the recruit and coaches is perhaps one of the most important.

Bentonville offensive lineman Chase Petersen was offered a scholarship by Louisville last weekend after he and his father made a visit. Before traveling to check out the Cardinals, Petersen said it was hinted he could receive an offer once he got on campus.

“It was kind of like a 50-50 kind of thing in my eyes if I passed the eye test,” Petersen said. “If I passed the eye test I thought it would be a really good chance of getting an offer.”

Petersen, 6-4, 285, 5.27 flew into Louisville on Friday night and looked around the campus the following morning.

“I toured the facilities and met the strength and conditioning coaches the athletic staff and all of the coaches.” Petersen said.

Petersen was able to watch the Cardinals morning practice before going to lunch. After eating he was taken around the campus to see the dorms and academic buildings before having a one-on-one sessions with coaches.

“I talked to Coach (Brent) Myers the offensive line coach for a good 30-45 minutes,” said Petersen, who also has offers from North Texas and Tulane. “I then talked to coach (Steve) Kragthorpe for about another 30 minutes or so. Toward the end he asked if we had any more questions. My dad was like the only thing left to ask is where do we stand on recruiting and coach Kragthorpe said ‘Chase we’re going to offer you, we’re offering you today and we want you to be a Cardinal.’”

Petersen said the offer caught him and his father off guard but pleased them both.

“I’m honored and I really appreciate it.” Petersen said.

After the meeting, Petersen and his father attended the afternoon practice.

With three offers on the table, Petersen said he’s still waiting to hear from Arkansas and Oklahoma State. The Hogs and Cowboys have stayed in contact and continue to show strong interest.

“I’m a firm believer that when the times right, its right,” Petersen said of a possible decision. “I feel if I’m ready to make a decision then I’ll make it then. If not, then we’ll wait and see.”