Peters not very big, but he'll tattoo you

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Defensive backs coach Rich Miano respects Hyrum Peters (No. 33) because of his "toughness" and his understanding "of defensive concepts." Advertiser library photo • Nov. 4, 2001

After much thought and debate, Peters underwent the six-hour procedure that resulted in the etching of a manta ray's outline from his chest to lower back.

The tattoo represents Peters' devotion to the land and sea, as well as underscoring the detail he gives to most projects.

"I didn't want to have just any tattoo," he said. "I wanted one with meaning, something that was important to me."

"That's Hyrum," said Rich Miano, who coaches the UH defensive backs. "He's always thinking."

During every team meeting and film session, Peters fills a notebook with observations. He uses a highlighter to mark the most significant points.

"That's how I was raised," Peters said. "I try to be organized. Even my room is clean."

It was why the 5-foot-8, 188-pound Peters — admittedly not the fastest nor biggest UH defensive back — is the only one guaranteed a starting job for the Aug. 31 season opener.

"We're not going to play without Hyrum Peters on the field, whether it's at corner, nickel or safety," Miano said. "It's a matter of getting the four best (defensive backs) on the field, and he's one of the four."

Miano said he can understand why the junior from Kahuku often is overlooked. "I used to think that way," Miano said. "But when you look at Hyrum's ability to tackle, when you see his toughness, when you see how much he understands defensive concepts, you just have to respect him."

Said UH coach June Jones: "He's a real football player."

UH strength coach Mel deLaura said Peters is one of the most skilled Warriors. He placed first in the 20-yard shuttle, completing the distance in 4.0 seconds, and won the long shuttle, finishing the 60-yard obstacle in 10.9 seconds. Peters has a vertical jump of 36 inches.

"Hyrum doesn't have great speed, but he's exceptionally quick," Miano said. "To me, he's the smartest guy on our defense. You can line him up anywhere."

Last year, Peters played cornerback and nickelback. Against Rice, a run-option team, he was used as a fourth linebacker. He entered training camp as a starting cornerback. Because of injuries to safeties Leonard Peters and Matt Manuma, he opened at strong safety during the controlled scrimmage last Saturday.

"Some corners can never make that switch," Miano said. "Most corners seem to have horse blinders on. All they see is the guy in front of him. Hyrum has great vision."

Said Peters: "If you work at something long enough, it becomes natural."

For now, Peters will remain at safety. He worked with the first-team defense yesterday.

"There's a good chance he'll be the guy at safety," Miano said. "It depends on how the other guys do. If one of our corners gets hurt, we might have to move Hyrum back to corner. All I know is Hyrum will play."