By Heath Bradley

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass – For a player who had only played a total of 15 snaps entering Saturday’s 45-31 win over Boston College, defensive back Garry Peters made an instant impact when given his first opportunity to play significant snaps in 2012.

The chance to finally make it out on the field and compete for the No.17 Tigers is a feeling Peters was excited to have.

“It felt really good, the first time being out there this season,” he said. “I want to thank God, but at the same time; it felt like I was supposed to be out there.”

Peters entered the game for the Tigers (4-1, 1-1 ACC) late in the second quarter and immediately made his presence felt. In just a little over one half of play, Peters recorded one tackle, one pass break up, and one interception. His first career interception came on a critical drive in the fourth quarter.

After the Clemson offense had just been stopped trying to convert on fourth and short in their own territory, Peters rose to the occasion. With Clemson leading by 14 points and BC with the ball at the Clemson 20, Peters intercepted a Chase Rettig pass on the Clemson 12-yard line. Peters gave credit to the defensive line for creating pressure and forcing Rettig into making the decision to throw it his way.

“The defensive line had great pressure on that play,” the cornerback said. “I was able to break in front of it. He had beat me on that route earlier, but I was able to break on that ball, and make the interception.”

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney was very complimentary of Peters following the Tigers victory over the Eagles.

“I was really pleased with No. 26,” Swinney said. “There is a guy who had not had much of an opportunity and has been waiting on his chance. He got his opportunity tonight and he really stepped up big time. It was great to see him do that.”

The opportunity to play and contribute for the Tigers is something Peters is thankful for, an opportunity that he truly feels is a blessing.

“I have been down and out at times, but my moment came tonight, and I was ready for it,” he said. “I feel like I stepped up.”

After his performance tonight, it looks like it will be tough to keep Peters down and out. His big play ability is something that this defense needs, if he can continue to play with the right technique and make plays, expect to see No. 26 on the field for the Tigers the remainder of the season.