2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Justin Pessoa, RB, West Virginia State

• Name: Justin Pessoa 
• Position: Running Back 
• College: West Virginia State  
• Height: 5’11 
• Weight: 195lb  
• Twitter @JustinPessoa  
• Instagram @kvng.pessoa  

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?

My ability to protect the most important player on the field in pass protection, my QB, along with being a playmaker every time the ball is in my hands, I create momentum shift which is necessary in this game.   

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

The beginning of the 2025 season I had to medically redshirt because I got a high ankle sprain, I responded by coming back bigger faster and stronger in the spring and ready to dominate this upcoming 2026 season.  

What are your hobbies outside of football?

I love traveling, spending time with family and friends and hiking.  

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?

I see myself being a leader, by example and vocally,  and someone that my team can depend on, every single time.   

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

I would donate to children with autism, especially because my significant other works in that field.  

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I love being coached, screamed at and taking constructive criticism, because it’s all about the message not the tone, and I’m always going to use it to get better.  

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Underrated teammate at my school would Malik Baker, WR, he’s a dog  

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them?

I’d have dinner with Elon musk, LeBron James and Todd France. I think knowledge is power and talking to people that are successful on all fronts, id learn a lot from them.  

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?

If I got bench tomorrow it be because I forgot my cleats  and helmet at home  

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

My bags and gear are already prepared before I go to sleep, I wake up in the morning pray,  meetings and walk through, get breakfast with the team, head back to the dorm  room grab my gear and head to the field, then I take a hot bath and stretch, get tapped,  get my gear ready,  and go on the field do my  tracks and cuts, suit up and it’s game time.   

What is your favorite snack food?

Favorite snack would be peanut m&ms   

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

Spread Offense and West Coast Offense.  

What is your degree in?

My degree is in Health sciences/ BSN 

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?

First thing I’ll buy with my NFL check will be flowers for my mom and lady.   

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

My coach doesn’t like when we reach the ball for the goal line and I did it, but scored and got yelled at so the next time I made sure to run through the goal line and just hand the ball to the referee.  

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. boosie -Show the world   
2. NBA YoungBoy diesel  
3. future – plutoski