University of Vermont Athletics

Dr. Francis J. Peterson 1970 - Football

A converted defensive back/punt returner and, Fran Peterson, a 1986 Hall of Fame inductee, became one of the top quarterbacks in UVM football history.

With no previous experience behind center he operated Vermont's triple-option offense beginning in his junior season and he did it with flair, with authority, and with success. In his senior year, 1969, Vermont set 21 offensive records - Peterson accounting for 11 himself - and boasted one of the most exciting attacks in New England collegiate circles.

He was a starter in the defensive backfield as a sophomore and he was among the Yankee Conference leaders in punt returns. Following that season the UVM braintrust decided to put his speed and athleticism to work at quarterback. Peterson would become a pinpoint passer and a big crowd pleaser, exciting through the air and on the ground.

In 1969 Peterson spearheaded a fluid, potent Catamount attack, passing 1,108 yards and rushing for another 226. His passing yardage, as well as his nine touchdown tosses, were UVM records at the time. Though Hall of Famers Earl Olson and Bob Bateman would later break many of Peterson's standards, he retained several impressive records. Against Northeastern in 1969 he established single-game records for passing yards, 272; passes completed, 17; and touchdown passes, five.

Peterson's outstanding versatility did not go unnoticed. After the 1969 season he was accorded All-Yankee Conference, All-New England, and All-East honors.

His talent in the classroom was also noteworthy. A Dean's List student in biological sciences at Vermont, Peterson went on to earn his Ph. D. in nutritional biochemistry at Cornell University.