Eastern Michigan Athletics
Peyton Price: The Relentless Journey of a Defensive Lineman
8/21/2024 7:00:00 PM | Football
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University's senior defensive lineman Peyton Price (Lafayette, Ind./Jefferson) is driven by change, competition, and an unwavering desire to leave a lasting legacy. As he enters his final year with the Eagles, Price has embraced a new look, a new number, and a renewed determination to elevate his game to the next level.
A New Look for a New Season
"Going into my last year, I really just wanted a change, to be honest," Price says, reflecting on his decision to cut his hair and switch jersey numbers. "It's probably been since fifth or sixth grade since I had my hair short, so I wanted to cut my hair. And with that, I wanted to change my number too. I've never had a low number before, never got to carry the ball, nothing like that. So I wanted a skill number."
This year, Price dons the number 9, a number more traditionally associated with skill positions, a nod to his desire to try something new—even joking about wanting a shot at a few plays as a tight end. "Yeah, I want the ball real bad. Hopefully, I get the chance to, hopefully."
Leadership and Growth
With a new look also comes a new role on the team, as Price steps into a leadership position during this pivotal season. "We got a lot of new guys on the defense and a lot of new guys on the team overall. So I've had to help out a lot with the new guys," he shares. "We've got three or four transfer defensive tackles, so I've had to help them a lot, and it's been a good thing."
As a senior, Price understands the importance of setting an example, particularly for those new to the program. His focus during the offseason was clear: improve his pass-rushing skills. "I had a few sacks last year, but I wanted to clean it up a lot more. So that was my biggest focus this offseason—getting my steps right, getting my hands right, just working on pass rushing in general."
Sibling Rivalry and Motivation
Price draws much of his motivation from his brother, Brian, who has already made the leap to the next level in football. "Honestly, the thing that motivates me about that is our competition. I just don't want him to be better than me," Price admits with a grin. "That's really what fuels me. I want to be better than him. I want him to know that."
This competitive spirit extends beyond the football field, as Price relishes the time spent with his family, particularly with his young nephew. "My brother has a kid now, so going home and being with my nephew was huge for me. It was my first time having somebody look up to me like that. He calls me 'Uncle P,' and that's just something really special."
His nephew's early love for sports is already apparent. "He's walking, playing, and his favorite thing is any type of ball—basketballs, footballs. Every time I come home, we play, and he loves it. One of the first things he ever did was get down in a stance and just run. He's already into football."
Building Bonds and Overcoming Challenges
The defensive line at Eastern Michigan has seen its share of changes, but Price is confident in the group's cohesion. "Going through all the summer workouts together with our strength coach, that stuff will break you down. But when you've got your brothers there next to you, supporting you, getting you through a workout, it builds a big bond."
A significant moment for the team was their trip to Colorado, where they climbed Pikes Peak. "That was another thing that got us closer—spending a night together in cabins, just being with each other. I wasn't able to climb it personally because of a little injury to my hip, but I took a train to the top. When I got up there, I definitely felt the altitude. I didn't think it would affect me, but I was a little dizzy. The altitude definitely got me."
The Pursuit of Greatness
Away from football, Price enjoys watching sports, particularly basketball, a passion that provides a mental break from the demands of the gridiron. "I love watching basketball. It's actually my favorite sport. It helps get my mind off football."
As for his favorite player, Price is quick to honor a hometown hero. "I love Reggie Miller. I'm from Indiana, so I'd probably have to say Reggie Miller for sure."
When asked about Eastern Michigan's 2024 theme, "BET," Price explains its significance to him. "To me, it means we're going to bet on ourselves, no matter what. I feel like every year, people kind of sell us short because we're Eastern Michigan. But we've got each other, and that's all we need. We're going to bet on each other."
Chasing History
Reflecting on the past, Price is motivated by the memory of hoisting the trophy in Boise after winning the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in 2022. "Holding that trophy in Boise was one of the most special experiences of my life. I've never had a ring, never held a trophy before. That motivated me a lot, as well as the rest of the team. Now we really want the MAC."
Price has his eyes set on breaking a streak that has eluded Eastern Michigan during Coach Creighton's era—earning an All-MAC nod as a defensive tackle. "I knew before I got here that under Coach Creighton, they've never had an All-Conference defensive tackle. That's one of my biggest motivations. I want to be the one to change that and set the standard from here on out."
As Peyton Price embarks on his final season with the Eagles, he does so with the weight of expectation on his shoulders, but also with the confidence that comes from relentless preparation and a deep love for the game. Whether he's leading his teammates, mentoring newcomers, or battling in the trenches, Price is ready to make his mark, both on the field and in the history books of Eastern Michigan football.
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) – Eastern Michigan University's senior defensive lineman Peyton Price (Lafayette, Ind./Jefferson) is driven by change, competition, and an unwavering desire to leave a lasting legacy. As he enters his final year with the Eagles, Price has embraced a new look, a new number, and a renewed determination to elevate his game to the next level.
A New Look for a New Season
"Going into my last year, I really just wanted a change, to be honest," Price says, reflecting on his decision to cut his hair and switch jersey numbers. "It's probably been since fifth or sixth grade since I had my hair short, so I wanted to cut my hair. And with that, I wanted to change my number too. I've never had a low number before, never got to carry the ball, nothing like that. So I wanted a skill number."
This year, Price dons the number 9, a number more traditionally associated with skill positions, a nod to his desire to try something new—even joking about wanting a shot at a few plays as a tight end. "Yeah, I want the ball real bad. Hopefully, I get the chance to, hopefully."
Leadership and Growth
With a new look also comes a new role on the team, as Price steps into a leadership position during this pivotal season. "We got a lot of new guys on the defense and a lot of new guys on the team overall. So I've had to help out a lot with the new guys," he shares. "We've got three or four transfer defensive tackles, so I've had to help them a lot, and it's been a good thing."
As a senior, Price understands the importance of setting an example, particularly for those new to the program. His focus during the offseason was clear: improve his pass-rushing skills. "I had a few sacks last year, but I wanted to clean it up a lot more. So that was my biggest focus this offseason—getting my steps right, getting my hands right, just working on pass rushing in general."
Sibling Rivalry and Motivation
Price draws much of his motivation from his brother, Brian, who has already made the leap to the next level in football. "Honestly, the thing that motivates me about that is our competition. I just don't want him to be better than me," Price admits with a grin. "That's really what fuels me. I want to be better than him. I want him to know that."
This competitive spirit extends beyond the football field, as Price relishes the time spent with his family, particularly with his young nephew. "My brother has a kid now, so going home and being with my nephew was huge for me. It was my first time having somebody look up to me like that. He calls me 'Uncle P,' and that's just something really special."
His nephew's early love for sports is already apparent. "He's walking, playing, and his favorite thing is any type of ball—basketballs, footballs. Every time I come home, we play, and he loves it. One of the first things he ever did was get down in a stance and just run. He's already into football."
Building Bonds and Overcoming Challenges
The defensive line at Eastern Michigan has seen its share of changes, but Price is confident in the group's cohesion. "Going through all the summer workouts together with our strength coach, that stuff will break you down. But when you've got your brothers there next to you, supporting you, getting you through a workout, it builds a big bond."
A significant moment for the team was their trip to Colorado, where they climbed Pikes Peak. "That was another thing that got us closer—spending a night together in cabins, just being with each other. I wasn't able to climb it personally because of a little injury to my hip, but I took a train to the top. When I got up there, I definitely felt the altitude. I didn't think it would affect me, but I was a little dizzy. The altitude definitely got me."
The Pursuit of Greatness
Away from football, Price enjoys watching sports, particularly basketball, a passion that provides a mental break from the demands of the gridiron. "I love watching basketball. It's actually my favorite sport. It helps get my mind off football."
As for his favorite player, Price is quick to honor a hometown hero. "I love Reggie Miller. I'm from Indiana, so I'd probably have to say Reggie Miller for sure."
When asked about Eastern Michigan's 2024 theme, "BET," Price explains its significance to him. "To me, it means we're going to bet on ourselves, no matter what. I feel like every year, people kind of sell us short because we're Eastern Michigan. But we've got each other, and that's all we need. We're going to bet on each other."
Chasing History
Reflecting on the past, Price is motivated by the memory of hoisting the trophy in Boise after winning the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in 2022. "Holding that trophy in Boise was one of the most special experiences of my life. I've never had a ring, never held a trophy before. That motivated me a lot, as well as the rest of the team. Now we really want the MAC."
Price has his eyes set on breaking a streak that has eluded Eastern Michigan during Coach Creighton's era—earning an All-MAC nod as a defensive tackle. "I knew before I got here that under Coach Creighton, they've never had an All-Conference defensive tackle. That's one of my biggest motivations. I want to be the one to change that and set the standard from here on out."
As Peyton Price embarks on his final season with the Eagles, he does so with the weight of expectation on his shoulders, but also with the confidence that comes from relentless preparation and a deep love for the game. Whether he's leading his teammates, mentoring newcomers, or battling in the trenches, Price is ready to make his mark, both on the field and in the history books of Eastern Michigan football.
Players Mentioned
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