Justin Growel
Defensive End / Lake Erie College
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Justin Growel: Height is 6’4. The Giants measured me before everything got shut down. I am 258 pounds right now. I ran a 4.7 forty during the summer.
Alex Khvatov: How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Justin Growel: In Wisconsin, they never closed anything down. I was able to work out the entire time. I worked out at EPTS training.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Justin Growel: I played basketball, which was my main sport. I thought that I would go to college for basketball. I focused on basketball. I played PG, but I never developed a great jump shot. I was good at dribbling, passing and playing good defense. My last year, I ended up doing football.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you eventually start playing football during your senior year of high school?
Justin Growel: My lifelong friend transferred to my school. He wanted to play football. I joined him my senior year.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Justin Growel: I was trying to come in as a QB. I played QB in youth football. They already had their guy at QB. I played defense. I was the standup edge rusher. I used my athleticism. I loved playing my senior year. I loved hitting. I played on all special teams as well.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Justin Growel: I sent out my highlight tape to D-I and D-II schools. I had a lot of responses, but nothing serious. I went to Nebraska-Kearney my first year. I spent a couple of months there. It was a lot further from home. I didn’t like the atmosphere. I transferred.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Lake Erie College?
Justin Growel: Their coach called me. He heard that I was leaving my school. He got everything set up. I came there during the winter time.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career at Lake Erie.
Justin Growel: I love the school. It has been hectic. We had lots of coaches going in and out. Players coming in and out. We have had lots of guys transfer. We got a new coaching staff last year and they have been changing the program for the good. Freshman year, I was trying to play TE. I was about to start at TE, but I got a concussion three weeks before the first game. I came in at 218 pounds. They moved me to DT one week before the first game. We had injuries there. I played and started at one-tech. Freshman year, I didn’t know much, but I had a high motor. I didn’t know what I was doing on the field. I was 230 pounds at the end of the year. Sophomore year, they put me at three-technique. I was up to 240 pounds. I worked all summer on my body. I became an all-conference player. I did better. Junior year, I was moved to DE. I was 250 pounds last year. I learned a lot from the new coaching staff. I had 9.5 sacks last season. I had an All-American season and earned all-conference.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most by playing DL the past three seasons in college?
Justin Growel: I use my hands better and more effectively now. I use good footwork. I know what plays are coming out of certain formations. I know what the offense is running.
Alex Khvatov: Football season has been canceled all across D-II in the fall. What are your plans moving forward?
Justin Growel: I am hopeful for the spring season. We will see what happens after that. I will graduate next spring. I will be working hard and staying in shape.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Justin Growel: I pride myself on playing with passion and having a high motor. My work ethic is great and I have fun with football. I am quick in general because of my basketball background. I have good agility.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Justin Growel: I need to become more of a student of this game. Stay in my gap more. Sometimes I get too eager to make the play. Be a smarter football player.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Justin Growel: There was a game early last season where we played Kentucky Wesleyan. My mom came to watch me play for the first time. I had two strip sacks during the game. I had 15 tackles and five TFL’s. I earned player of the week in the conference.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Justin Growel: They have been teaching me about being more of a student of the game. Being a leader as well. I lead by example.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Justin Growel: I am born and raised in Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Justin Growel: Lamar Jackson. He is exciting to watch. Myles Garrett. I want to be like him.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Justin Growel: WR Nate Dantley is fast. He has another gear. He should have a good season. He was a freshman last year. Our coaches are doing a good job with recruiting.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Justin Growel: Tiffin RB JaQuan Hardy. There is not another guy like him in D-II. His moves in the open field are nuts. He juked five of us on one play and went for the TD.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a DL?
Justin Growel: Motor. You can get away with bad technique, but keep working and driving your feet. You have to have a good get off.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Justin Growel: I actually suffer from depression and anxiety. I work with support groups to deal with it. I am working towards being a speaker.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Justin Growel: I enjoy being with a big group of people and playing the game I love. We have become a family.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Justin Growel: I play a lot of basketball and Madden. I have two dogs.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Justin Growel: I want to become a mental health advocate. I want to help others that might be dealing with similar things as me.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Justin Growel: Free-spirited, hard worker, determined, easygoing, and funny.
