Name: Joey LaMore
School: Gettysburg
Position: CB
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 175
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
I set the goal of establishing myself as the most dominant corner in the Centennial Conference, arguably the top conference in Division III Football. Through hard work and the grace of God I accomplished this goal by finishing the regular season tied for 1st in the conference in passes defended at 13, 2nd in pass break ups at 10, and tied for 2nd in interceptions at 3. I also had multiple complete games without allowing a single catch. In our last three games combined (two of which were against nationally ranked teams) I allowed two catches, had two interceptions, two pass break ups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
That I love them like family and never quit on them. There is a wide range of talent level and personalities on our team as there is on most teams. I made a concerted effort to spend time with each and every guy, 1-100. Remembering the times in my earlier career when I was not receiving playing time, I remained relentlessly positive with the guys who weren’t playing, and reminded them that it was not that long ago that I was in their shoes. The unwavering passion I played with was my way of showing my appreciation for them.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
My mental preparation was an element that dramatically increased in my senior season, and film study was a big part of it. I knew that to take the next step as a player I had to hold myself accountable to watch film and make necessary adjustments. When watching opponent film, I closely analyzed receivers’ route and release tendencies, how formation and down/distance correlated with certain route combinations, and the quarterback’s read progressions and which receivers they were most inclined to throw to. When watching our own film, I dissected my technique from all angles. I tried to remember what I was thinking and feeling on the play so that I could reproduce the result if it was positive or make an adjustment if it was negative. I became obsessed with perfection in my technique and my film study allowed me to see the field and make plays that I previously did not.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
My locker room presence. Everyone at the next level can play at an extremely high level and I know that I can as well. I pride myself on my work ethic and ability to relate to people, particularly my teammates. One of my favorite things about football is the diversity of the team. Each player has a different story and requires different motivation to maximize their potential. I was fortunate to play for some excellent coaches at a young age in high school that taught me what it takes to win as a team. I was a part of a run that included three straight state championships in baseball and I have been able to translate that work ethic to the football field. I know how to prepare like a winner and my understanding and love for those around me allows me to pass it to them.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
As far as training outside of team activities, last summer I trained at Route 1 Athletics near my home in Maryland. I trained with other football players from D1 top 25 schools, all three divisions, and professional players (including current NFL players). I felt a noticeable increase in my speed and overall athleticism coming into this season. Coach Chris and Coach Pop are top notch and are aimed at getting us in world-class shape. Given an opportunity to continue playing, Route 1 is likely where I will train again this summer.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
On the field my ball skills are my best ability. I created five turnovers in my last five games of the season. My many years playing baseball allow me to track the ball at an extremely high level and make plays on it in the air, which is an essential quality for a corner. I am also extremely versatile and equally effective in man and zone coverage. This comfort in any coverage allows me to disguise what my responsibility is. Through film study and football IQ I am able to have a good idea of what teams are going to do in certain situations and how to force them into making bad throws. Off the field my work ethic is my best ability. It is cliché but it elevates my mental preparation in film study, as well as my physical preparation in the weight room and on the field. I am the type of player that would train at any hour of the night or day. The only part of football practice and meetings I did not enjoy was when they ended. I was never satisfied with my individual performance regardless of my stat-line, I expect to have success, and therefore I only focus on the areas where I can improve.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
I have an uncommon work ethic that stems from an uncommon story. I had never played organized football in my life until my senior year of high school. I was primarily a punter and played one quarter at corner that year. I loved the game but believed that I played it for the last time. I was recruited to Gettysburg College to play baseball but after the fall season I did not make the final roster. With a recommendation from the baseball coach based on my athleticism, I walked onto the football team that spring as a cornerback. While I made the team, I tore a tendon in my wrist. I tried to play through this injury my sophomore year but I was ineffective and did not receive any playing time. I underwent surgery that offseason and began a four month rehab process as I prepared for my Junior Season. I became a starter halfway through my Junior Year in my first healthy season playing cornerback in my entire life. I posted 35 tackles, 5 pass break ups, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, and 1 tackle for a loss. In my senior season, after my first fully healthy football offseason in my life, I was arguably the top cornerback in the conference posting 32 tackles, 13 passes defended (t-1st), 10 pass break-ups (2nd), 3 interceptions (t-2nd), 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 tackle for loss. This dominant success in only my second healthy season playing football shows that I have only scratched the surface of my football potential. I truly do not know the limit of my potential as a player and given an opportunity at the next level, I would do everything in my power to reach my full potential and be a significant contributor to any team that gave me a chance.
