Along the way, Turner Petersen has picked up different roles with the Rice Owls.

He was a defensive back before moving to wide receiver. He's been listed as the backup kicker and punter. As a former high school quarterback, he's also thrown two passes this season.

You also probably don't want to get in a swim race with him; he was a high school All-American.

"I really do try and know a little bit of everything. Just in case something is called upon, I am able to step in and fill that role," Petersen said.

Petersen may have found a permanent home with his latest job description: running back.

More time ahead

Coach David Bailiff said this week that Petersen, a sophomore from Oklahoma City, has done well enough in the first three games to warrant more playing time heading into Saturday's Conference USA opener at Southern Miss.

"He continues to improve in everything he does," Bailiff said. "He's carving out quite a role."

Petersen is the Owls' second-leading rusher with 19 carries for 100 yards - his 5.3 yards-per-carry average is best on the team - and a touchdown as the Owls have gone with a running back-by-committee approach through three games.

"I've been waiting for this opportunity for three years," Petersen said. "It's an honor, and I really have to keep improving to prove to them that I am deserving of this opportunity."

Karen Warren

Petersen was recruited as a safety out of high school before moving to wide receiver just before the end of preseason camp his freshman season. He redshirted his first season, a decision he admits, "gave me a chance to mature."

"It was definitely an adjustment for me, going from all those games to nothing," Petersen said.

During the second week of his redshirt season, Petersen worked as a scout-team running back as the Owls prepared to face Texas Tech.

"After that week, coach Bailiff came up to me and said, 'I really like you there. I think we'll try it in the future.' Week by week, I played running back more and more."

Last season, Petersen played in all 12 games but had only 13 rushing attempts for 77 yards and three touchdowns. His biggest run of the season was a 36-yard touchdown against Tulane.

Petersen said he has embraced his multipurpose role.

"I think this is definitely the role I wanted to become and have the ability to play in different spots and not a single position," he said.

Stable of five

The Owls began the season with a stable of five running backs who could challenge for playing time. Through non-conference play, Petersen and Tyler Smith (team-high 115 rushing yards) have emerged as the most consistent backs.

The production by Petersen and Smith should allow the Owls to use explosive back Sam McGuffie in a slot receiver role. The Owls also have Jeremy Eddington, who has played sparingly after scoring 10 touchdowns as a freshman, and Charles Ross, who is recovering from a mild concussion suffered against Baylor.

"I think it's just a matter of time before all five of us are clicking on all cylinders," Petersen said. "It's going to be hard to scout against all five of us."

joseph.duarte@chron.com

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