Mike Peterson Jr., a redshirt freshman wide receiver, has quickly become one of the most talked‑about players during Florida A&M’s preseason camp. His ascent is rooted in a familiar relationship with first‑year head coach Quinn Fordham Gray Sr. and receivers coach Ron Dugans, who recruited him after seeing his work ethic and skill set.
Dugans, now serving as both wide receivers coach and pro scout liaison, leveraged his prior connections to bring Peterson from the University of Florida, where the youngster had spent a year as a walk‑on.
At 6‑foot‑1 and 170 pounds, Peterson combines speed with a knack for creating separation and making contested catches, traits that have earned him praise from teammates and coaches alike.
The Rattlers’ receiving corps, which boasts 15 players, blends veteran transfers with promising freshmen such as Kieren Jackson, Quan Lee and Corey ‘Deuce’ Petty, giving Peterson a deep pool of talent to complement.
The team is using the next few weeks to iron out consistency and chemistry, highlighted by a mock scrimmage scheduled for August 22, before opening the 2026 season against Albany State and other SWAC opponents.
Beyond the field, Peterson stresses the importance of being a good teammate and a positive influence, a mindset shaped in part by his father, former Jaguar Mike Peterson Sr., who also shared a locker room with Coach Gray.
Family Ties and Coaching Connections Drive the Move
Peterson’s father, Mike Peterson Sr., was a teammate of Coach Gray with the Jacksonville Jaguars, a shared experience that helped smooth the transfer decision and has continued to influence the younger Peterson’s approach to the game and to team culture.