Double duty for back’s parents

On the surface, it would appear that Cedric Peerman does not possess a selfish bone in his body.

That is not completely true.

Virginia’s leading running back and emotional offensive leader enjoys making plays and scoring touchdowns while clinging to the hope that it brings a smile to the face of his biggest fan.

Peerman’s father, Stanley, works long hours every week to provide for his family.

Every weekend in the fall, however, football serves as Stanley’s escape from the hectic grind, just as it will when Virginia (5-3, 3-1 ACC) entertains Miami (5-3, 2-2) at Scott Stadium on Saturday.

Stanley has had reason to smile this season — Peerman ranks third in the ACC in rushing with 541 yards in seven games. He has also scored seven touchdowns and is tied for ninth in the league in scoring.

“It is just a big joy for a lot of people when I do well, but especially for my dad,” Peerman said. “He works his tail off during the week, and on Friday night he gets to see my younger brother play high school football, and then he gets to see me play on Saturday.

“That’s kind of his time to get away and relax and enjoy some football for a change and enjoy watching his sons.”

A devout Christian and an ordained minister, Peerman calls his father his hero.

“He just goes through so much,” he said. “I am just thankful to God that this can be his outlet from all his work and from all the things that he goes through.

“I think that’s the most gratifying thing to me.”

Stanley is not alone in the Peerman fan club. His wife, Melissa, is typically at his side when Peerman dismantles countless defensive players with his strong running style and powerful stiff-arm.

“My success has been good for her, too, because she goes through a lot herself,” Peerman said. “I am thankful that she can make it out there, too.”

Last year, when Peerman suffered a broken bone in his foot in the sixth game, Melissa ensured that her son remained positive.

“My mom has always been the glue and held everything together,” Peerman said. “That’s not to take anything away from my father, but certain people in your family play certain roles.

“My mom has just been this dynamic woman that held us together when things got rough. Last season there were difficult times that were difficult for me and she was always there helping me. It is a blessing to have a mom like that. She is the mother of mothers.”

Thus far, Peerman has been the running back of running backs.

Despite his success, Peerman said he debated attending a job fair on Tuesday at John Paul Jones Arena. If his success continues, the business world may have to wait.

And his father will have football games to watch on a different day of the week: Sunday.