Adrian Peterson is a running-back football player whose speed has often been likened to that of a gazelle. He was nicknamed 'AD' or 'All Day' for rushing 220 times, covering 1108 yards, and making 14 touchdowns as part of the All-Big 12 team in 2005. Representing the University of Oklahoma, the college football player often covers 80 yards while running. Adrian Peterson was born on March 21, 1985, at Palestine, Texas.

He was ranked as a top recruit in the country by many college scouting reports, during his senior years in high school. After breaking many NCAA freshman rushing records during his freshman season, he made it to the finals of the Heisman Trophy. Peterson rushed for 1925 yards as a freshman. In 2006, he is considered a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy, along with Notre Dame Quarterback Brady Quinn. In the same year, he was accorded the title 'The Sporting News Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player'. Ivan Maisel's '3 point stance' column on ESPN.com mentions Peterson's current height and weight as 6'2' and 215 lbs, respectively. He recently clocked 4.35 in the 40-yard dash.

In a media teleconference, Adrian Peterson stated that for the initial two years he had just relied on his speed, which was about 100 miles per hour. Eventually, he learned the technique of being patient, waiting for different opportunities to open. Peterson is projected as the No. 1 or No. 2 pick for many mock NFL drafts for the year 2007.