Senior Bowl 2017 Interview – Nathan Peterman

Nathan Peterman – QB (Pittsburgh)

Measurables: 

Hgt: 6 ’2 ½”    

Wgt:  225 lbs. 

Hand:  9 ½”    

Arm:  31 ⅜”    

Wing:  75 ¾“

PROFILE:  Peterman started his college career at the University of Tennessee. Played in 11 games and started two contests at quarterback for the Volunteers over the 2013 and ’14 seasons. Enrolled at Pitt in June of 2015 as a graduate transfer from Tennessee with two years of football eligibility. He played in all 13 games of the 2015 season, starting the final 11 contests at quarterback. He completed 61.5% of his passes for 2,287 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions…finished second in the ACC in completion percentage, third in touchdown passes and fourth in passing efficiency (138.57). Peterman started all 13 games of his 2016 senior season. He was at the helm of the highest scoring offense in Pitt history (40.92 points per game; 532 total points). He completed 60.5% of his passes for 2,855 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions…led the ACC and ranked eighth nationally in pass efficiency (163.4 rating)…led the ACC and ranked fourth nationally in yards per completion (15.43)…led the ACC and ranked seventh nationally in yards per pass attempt (9.33). Peterman’s 27 TD passes were the most by a Pitt quarterback since 2003 and rank fourth on the school single-season list.

On what it means to him to be at the Senior Bowl and what he hopes to showcase during the week.

It means a lot.  I think it’s the opportunity of a lifetime to get around these coaches – to get on the field with them and play real football.  I think there’s no other opportunity like it.  I’ve gotten to talk to a lot of teams already and it’s pretty fun.  I’m just really thankful for the opportunity.

On what he knows about John Fox and his Chicago Bears staff that will be coaching Peterman’s North Team.

I’ve gotten to talk to Dowell Loggains (OC) a little bit.  Looking forward to getting to know more of them.  Obviously, they’re very knowledgeable guys – they’ve got a great offense, a great system up there so I’m looking forward to getting to know them more.

On how many Offensive Coordinators he played for over the course of his college career and what it was like to transition from Tennessee to Pitt.

I had the opportunity to play for three coordinators.  I had some great teammates, honestly. I think the people make the place and that was certainly the case at Pitt.  We went in there with just a great attitude – ready to get after it – and a lofty goal to put myself in this position to be able to have a chance to play in the NFL. So it was a great transition – a lot of good people up there and certainly it was a fun one for me.

On his season at Pitt – getting to beat the ACC Champ and the Big Ten Champ.

Yeah, it was fun. It was what we wanted. Obviously, we had some goals that we didn’t reach.  We wanted to win the ACC Championship so we fell a little short there, but we had some big games  – beating Clemson, beating Penn State – that were really fun to be a part of. It was an awesome senior season for me and I’m really thankful for it.

On what his relationship was like with Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi given his reputation for being a demanding coach.

He was fantastic. I think he does a great job of being a guy who just loves football and he shows that to his players. And I think it rubbed off on all of us. He is a defensive coach so he’s around that staff a little bit more, but I’d have talks with him all the time and, you know, talking with him on the sidelines during games.  He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

On what it will be like representing his school one last time during Senior Bowl week.

I’m extremely excited. I think it’s going to be fun competing against some of the best talent in the nation. You know, we’re wearing our throwback helmets, me and Adam Bisnowaty (Pitt offensive tackle who is also at the Senior Bowl), and we’re excited about it. Pitt was a great place for me – great people and love everything about it, so excited to wear those colors one more time.

On what advice his college coaches gave to him as he prepared to play in the Senior Bowl.

My coaches were great. Narduzzi was the first one to text me I think after Phil (Phil Savage, Executive Director of the Senior Bowl) texted him letting him know that we were coming.  He just said have fun, enjoy it. Coach Canada (former Pitt OC Matt Canada), who’s now at LSU texted me earlier in the week and he just said have fun. I think that’s the best advice. You know, you only get to go through this process once so soak it up and enjoy it.

On whether there was any advantage to playing football in an NFL city and sharing the practice facility with the Steelers.

Absolutely! You know, I’m seeing the Steelers every day, in the parking lot, on the field. I’ve got to walk by them getting to our practice. I get to watch them practice at the same time – seeing their work ethic, their habits and what makes them great. And then, in the off season it’s pretty great getting to throw routes and Ben Roethlisberger coming up right behind me and kinda giving me some tips. And then to see them work in the off-season as well. I think there’s a lot of benefits to it. You kind of get a feel for how it would be if you were at that next level.

On what differences in NFL rules from college rules may be the most challenging in getting acclimated to them.

Yeah, I think the “getting up” rule will be good.  I’m interested to see if anybody forgets that this week!  But you know, I think the hashes are a big difference too. They’re so much tighter in the NFL – I think six yards apart. It changes throws, it changes different dynamics of play calls as well as with formations and the boundary to the field.  It will be good. I’m interested to see how it plays out.

On the idea that he is getting a golden opportunity at the Senior Bowl to showcase what he can do.

It’s great! You know, all you want is an opportunity to go out there and compete and prove yourself. I’m a competitor so I’m really excited for it – love to compete – love to play football. Like I said, this is a great opportunity and I’m just extremely thankful and blessed to be here.