2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Justin Peterson, LS, Virginia Military Institute

• Name: Justin Peterson
• Position: Long Snapper
• College: Virginia Military Institute (FCS)
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 225 lbs
• Twitter: petethesnapper
• Instagram: petethesnapper

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

I am a top long snapper prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft because of my consistency, work ethic, and ability to identify and protect against different defenses in a pro-style punt scheme. Unlike most schools where the long snapper is released directly into coverage, VMI has a pro-style punt scheme where the long snapper must snap accurately before transitioning into protection. Before becoming the starter, I backed up Robert Soderholm, a 4-time All-American who played in the Reese’s Senior Bowl and had tryouts with both the Seahawks and Steelers. During my time as his backup, I significantly increased my long snapping IQ, consistency, and physicality. In my first season as the starter, I was recognized as 1^st Team All-Southern Conference and played in the FCS Bowl in Daytona Beach, FL. Lastly, being a cadet at VMI and having a contract with the United States Army has allowed me to reach a level of confidence in myself that most snappers don’t have.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I was first interested in football at the age of 8. I played one year of flag football before playing three years with my local youth tackle football league.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

The one thing that NFL teams need to know about me is that my confidence and work ethic surpass the other long snapper prospects in this year’s draft, and I want to play in the NFL to serve as a role model for others who were told their dreams were impossible. I hold various positions of leadership at the Virginia Military Institute and my peers look up to me, so I want to show them that it doesn’t matter where you started; you can always be successful. I don’t hold these positions for the title, but rather because I’m committed to influencing others and making an impact on their lives.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I could donate to one cause in the world, I would donate to Breast Cancer research since my Mom had Breast Cancer when I was younger. Additionally, I’m very passionate about serving others, so I would find ways to involve my teammates in using our publicity to give back to others.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I received growing up was from my Mom, and she taught me to always stay humble. No matter what I accomplish or achieve, it’s important to remember that the job isn’t finished and there’s always more to strive for.

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was Tom Brady since he was underrated, like me, out of college. Once he got his opportunity though, he made the most of it and became the greatest football player of all time. Similar to Brady, I am underrated coming from a DI FCS football program. Regardless, the team that brings me in will quickly realize they made the right decision.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

The most underrated teammate in my locker room at VMI is Evan Eller. He recently graduated from VMI and transferred to Wyoming, but he is somebody to keep an eye out for in the 2025 NFL Draft. He is selfless, scrappy, and a very passionate competitor.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is narcissism. No matter how much attention you get, stay humble and respect those around you.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character. What was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

I began my football career at VMI as a ball boy my freshman year, not dressing for a single game. In my sophomore year, I helped out the team as a filmer and equipment assistant, not dressing yet again. My junior year I earned the backup spot, and my senior year I earned the starting job. Even though times were tough, I chose to have a positive mindset and battle my way to the top. My faith in God gave me the strength to trust the process, stay focused, and keep grinding.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The Virginia Military Institute brings people together from various backgrounds and assimilates them into a system centered around honor, personal character, and leadership development. As of February 2024, VMI is ranked #4 in Top Public Schools according to U.S. News and World Report, behind only the Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and United States Military Academy at West Point. Although my opinion may seem biased, I would trust and depend on VMI graduates more than graduates from those academies. VMI is different because we know we’re underdogs compared to the military academies, and because of this, we work harder and are always competing against one another. Cadets at the military academies received their appointments during their junior/senior year of high school which was their ticket to success. Obviously, they still need to work hard, but the academies also have all the resources and funding necessary for cadets to succeed, so it is easy to get comfortable, do the bare minimum, and think you’re better than schools like VMI that have a Corps of Cadets who are constantly working to gain the national attention they deserve. I respect the academies and their mission, but I’m tired of VMI being ranked behind them. VMI cadets are constantly competing in academics, athletics, and ROTC, and we are involved in so many things each day that any challenges faced after graduation are minimal compared to our experiences at VMI. We also have a single-sanction honor code, and we don’t believe in second chances when it comes to honor like the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the Air Force Academy, and the Naval Academy. Any cadet who places personal gain above personal honor cannot be trusted to lead our troops into battle in the ranks of our military.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is a homemade smoothie. My go-to ingredients are ice, apple juice, vanilla yogurt, banana, peanut butter, almonds, and whey protein.

What is the best part of football?

The best part of football is how it brings people together from all different backgrounds to achieve a common goal. I have made some lifelong friends through the sport of football.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

Tell me I can’t, and I will always prove you wrong.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL, who would it be?

I would compare my play to Joe Cardona, the long snapper for the New England Patriots. Similar to Joe, I will be serving in the military. I am branching Military Intelligence in the U.S. Army and will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant this year.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would they be and why?

If I could have dinner with three people, I would eat with Tom Brady, David Goggins, and Robin Williams. I would eat with Tom Brady because I know that we have the same mentality when it comes to competition and because he was my favorite player growing up. I would eat with David Goggins because there isn’t a tougher person alive, and I try to live my life as ferociously as he does. Lastly, I would eat with Robin Williams because he was generous and caring towards everyone, and he is a model for how people should treat others.