Josh Petruccelli
Running Back / Mount Union
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Josh Petruccelli: I am 5’9” and I weigh around 205-215. My 40 time is in the 4.5s.
Alex Khvatov: How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Josh Petruccelli: With all of the madness going on in the world right now and with gyms being closed, I went out and bought a few things and built my own weight room in my house.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Josh Petruccelli: I played baseball, basketball, and ran track.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Josh Petruccelli: In high school, I played RB, WR, safety, and I returned kicks on special teams.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Josh Petruccelli: Ashland, Lake Erie, Walsh, John Carroll, and Heidelberg.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up Mount Union?
Josh Petruccelli: I ended up choosing Mount Union because of the winning tradition, and I love the environment when I went on a game day visit. I just knew it was the place for me.
Alex Khvatov: What is it like to be a part of a Division III powerhouse football program?
Josh Petruccelli: It is definitely hard to play for a team like Mount Union because the expectations are always National Championship or bust. I feel like we are set to a higher standard than others.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career?
Josh Petruccelli: So far, I would say I have had a successful career. To be honest though, I’m not satisfied with only one national championship. I’ll be satisfied if I end with two championships.
Alex Khvatov: How proud are you of those three straights 1,000+ yards rushing seasons? What does it mean to you?
Josh Petruccelli: This accomplishment would’ve never happened without the men upfront, so shoutout to the O-Line. I’m pretty proud of that since I’m the only person to do it since Nate Kmic, and he went on to lead all divisions in rushing yards. It means a lot that I was able to rush for over 1000 yards the past three years.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from Mount Union this upcoming season?
Josh Petruccelli: You can expect us to be hungry to get back to the national championship, after coming off an 11-1 season.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Josh Petruccelli: I would say my strengths are my ability to break tackles, my ability to block blitzing linebackers and reading a defense to know where the blitz is coming from, my body control and my vision while carrying the ball.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Josh Petruccelli: I would say I need to improve on my speed, hopefully get my 40-yard dash into the 4.4s and improve on my strength.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Josh Petruccelli: The highlight of my career thus far is starting my freshman year, running for 1,000 yards that year and winning a national championship. I don’t think it can get much better than that.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Josh Petruccelli: The best lesson I’ve learned so far from my coaches is accountability. Always hold yourself and others accountable.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Josh Petruccelli: Cleveland Browns, of course.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Josh Petruccelli: My favorite player is Braxton Miller, but I don’t believe he is on a team as of right now. Now I would have to say Christian McCaffrey.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Josh Petruccelli: Definitely get a look out for Kordell Ford, he was an All-American last season, Braxton Plunk and DJ Harvey.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Josh Petruccelli: Definitely the whole defensive linemen from UMHB my freshman and sophomore seasons. I can’t just name one player.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a RB?
Josh Petruccelli: I think the most important trait is the ability to break tackles. If a running back can’t break tackles, you almost have no chance in breaking long runs.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Josh Petruccelli: I love going out there and competing against another team’s best players, and just going out and hitting people.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Josh Petruccelli: I play video games a lot. I am big into Call of Duty. I can do that all day, but I also play a lot of basketball outside of football season. It helps me stay active, other than just lifting weights.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Josh Petruccelli: I want to teach physical education and health. I also want to be a football coach.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Josh Petruccelli: Competitive, goofy, enthusiastic, energetic, and winner.
