Name: Joe Giordano
School: University of the Incarnate Word
Position: LS
Height: 5-10
Weight: 195
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
A goal I set for my final collegiate season was to win another Southland Conference Championship and win an FCS national title. We won the Southland Conference Championship and made it to the FCS semifinals in Fargo, ND. Although we did not accomplish our goal of winning the national championship, I am so proud of what our team accomplished and wouldn’t have wanted to play my final season with any other group of guys.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I think my coaches and teammates would say that I am a very selfless teammate who is willing to do whatever needs to be done for the betterment of the team. They would say that I love what I do and although long snapping is a small part of the game, I put everything I have into it to and make sure my job is done effectively every time.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I study film, I try to breakdown every step of my job, going through each responsibility. From the snap location to the block or release down field, I make sure that everything is on point and take note of what I can improve on to be better for the next week. I also like to look at our opponents and see what they do on their punt return and FG block units. It is important that I know what other teams typically do so that I can be ready to execute my job perfectly regardless of the other teams scheme.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
Something that separates me from other pro prospects at my position is not only my ability to move my feet after the snap and cover the field, but also my perfectionist attitude. I am never satisfied and always working on my craft. There are always things I can improve on to become a more well rounded long snapper and I think that my mindset separates me from many other prospects at my position.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My off-season plan to train and stay prepared for any professional opportunities is snapping and field work 3-4 times a week with strength training 5-6 times a week. I am always pushing myself on the field and in the gym to stay healthy and ready for anyone who wants to give me an opportunity. I also prioritize recovery with weekly massages and cold therapy as well as a whole food mostly plant based diet.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Some of my strengths and abilities on the field are my composure and ability to handle high pressure situations. I have played in many high stake games where the pressure was on me to deliver a perfect snap for both punts and field goals. Another strength on the field is my consistency and aggressiveness after the snap. Not only will I deliver a perfect snap for my punter or holder, but I will also be aggressive and try to make a play down field. During my college career I have recorded a handful of tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble against an FBS opponent. As for off the field, my strengths are my discipline and commitment. There are many things that can become distractions off the field, and I really focus on staying committed and goal oriented even while off the field. I like to commit my time off the field to my nutrition, health, family, and giving back to the community in any way I can. I think that these qualities make me a solid and reliable teammate.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues is that all I need is an opportunity. My whole life I have been doubted and told that I can’t do certain things. It has always driven me to work harder and prove people wrong. I am willing to do whatever it takes for an opportunity and once I get that opportunity I know that my countless hours of preparation will pay off. I am a 4 year division 1 starter at long snapper and know that I have what it takes to excel at the next level, all I am looking for is an opportunity to prove myself.