This year, he didn’t have to wait until conference play to start a game.

Elon senior wide receiver Jeremy Peterson had three catches for 23 yards last Saturday against the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the season opener, a 62-0 loss to the Tar Heels. Not a preferable outcome by any stretch of the imagination, but for Peterson, one might say it was a minor victory.

He did not play in 2011 until Sept. 24, a 18-15 win over The Citadel to start the Southern Conference schedule last season. He had nine catches for 88 yards in that game, quite a way to make a return.

Peterson is quite pleased with his early return.

“When we started camp, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I just gotta get through this one healthy, make sure I start the season off and just stay healthy throughout the season,’” he said following his team’s practice Tuesday afternoon. “I’m pretty happy that I’ve made it this far and just continue to keep being healthy.”

Elon head coach Jason Swepson is pleased to have him back, this year as an offensive captain.

“It’s good to have him in the lineup,” he said. “He’s a captain, he’s a great leader.”

Peterson had 39 catches for 333 yards and two scores last year, becoming the No. 2 receiver by the end of the season. He sees himself as a possession receiver who has “sure hands.”

“It it’s third and long, they know who to come to, they know who’s going to catch it,” he said.

Peterson is also very complimentary of fellow receivers.

“You’ve got KB (Kierre Brown), who’s quick, fast,” he said. “So he’s the one, if you try to man up, he’s going to beat you.”

Swepson hopes that he sees a lot of consistency out of Peterson.

“Last year, he ended the season with (33) catches,” he said. “And if we can get him to 50-55 catches and a few more touchdowns and he remains healthy and a great leader, then he’s going to have a great year.”

Peterson sees the importance of staying healthy and is working to keep himself that way.

“I’ve just got to stay in the cold and hot tubs, stay in the training room, stretch and keep my body healthy,” he said.”