Name: John Parker Romo
School: Virginia Tech
Position: K
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 185
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Everyone wants to go perfect on the season, but considering it was my first year of being the field goal and kickoff starter since 2015, I wanted to be above 80% and 100% inside of 40 yards. I ended up going 18/22 (81.8%). With all the success I’ve had in kicking off, I set the bar high by aiming for 85% touchbacks. I finished the season at 78% after factoring in the fair catches, but did finish with the best net kick in the ACC.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
The additional year of eligibility was a blessing for me. It allowed me to be the field goal and kickoff starter from the beginning of the season to the end. It was my only season to show my capabilities as the starting kicker. I didn’t have the start to the season that I had hoped for, but I am grateful for my coaches and teammates by continuing to believe in me and finishing the season as an All-ACC kicker.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would say I always give 110% and would encourage others to join me. They could see my passion for constantly wanting to improve towards perfection.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
For a kicker, the focal points on film are: your approach to the ball, plant foot, foot to ball contact, and follow through. Being able to complete each of these successfully is what enables a kicker to be consistent.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
Having an incredibly supportive wife allows me to have that “family to feed” mentality. It gives me another purpose for striving to be the best kicker I can be. Another thing is my leg strength. My kickoff and long field goal accuracy makes me more reliable. My elevation on field goals is at an elite level.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I was offered to participate in 3 college senior all star games, but only decided to participate in the Tropical Bowl. I was fortunate to have exposure to scouts that included 30 NFL teams and was awarded The Tropical Bowl Special Teams MVP. I have been training in Buffalo, NY with my Kicking Coach Adam Tanalski of the Hammer Kicking Academy. I was awarded the best overall kickoffs at Coach Zauner’s College Senior Combine where 31 draft eligible kickers were competing as well as a handful of punters who also kickoff. I had a good pro day. I had a private workout and look forward to having more opportunities to showcase my skills.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I always strive to be the best teammate I can be. I encourage my teammates to get the proper treatments and recovery that is necessary to perform at their best every day. My teammates know that I would be there for them in a blink of an eye if they ever needed me. When a program invests and or believes in me, there is a mutual benefit.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
An opportunity to continue to learn and prove myself is all I can ask for. I was able to improve significantly in my 2 years of backing up now NFL Kicker Brian Johnson who backed up NFL Kicker Joey Slye as well as 3 years of learning how to be great kicker from Coach James Shibest who currently has 3 straight kickers who are playing in the NFL. I have yet to peak as a kicker and I would be a great investment.
