Joey Kuperman
Center – Senior
Cal Poly
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Joey Kuperman: 6’1, 300 and 5.2.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Joey Kuperman: At Cal Poly with Coach Holman. We do the pro day workouts around my class schedule. I plan to graduate in the spring.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day and what can we expect from you on that day?
Joey Kuperman: On March 24th. I want to come out and perform. I have been training since the New Year. I should be excellent in the shuttle and have a high number on the bench press. I m expecting over 30 reps. I should have an explosive start in the forty. I have been focusing on my 10-yard split.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Joey Kuperman: Army, Navy, Air Force, University of San Diego and Cal Poly was the last school to offer.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Cal Poly?
Joey Kuperman: I am from San Diego. It was far enough away from home, but I didn’t have to fly across the country. I felt like they wanted me to come here and play for them.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Joey Kuperman: I redshirted my first year. We had excellent coaches here. We had the same coach for three years at OL. I played 11 games and started three games at RG as a freshman. During my sophomore year, I started all games at RG. I was an honorable mention Big Sky. I moved over to center my junior year. We lost in the first round of the playoffs. I was First Team All-Conference my junior year. I was an honorable mention my senior year. We had 1,000-yard rushers every year. I take pride in how I run block.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Joey Kuperman: Quickness off the ball and my technique. I play with attitude and toughness. We ran the triple option offense in college. I have been in it for five years. I play with good leverage and move people. I excel in run blocking. I am comfortable in pass pro. I did well in the one on one’s at the Tropical Bowl.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Joey Kuperman: My hand placement in pass pro because we didn’t throw a lot. Combination blocks and zone blocking.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your Tropical Bowl experience?
Joey Kuperman: It was awesome. I came out from California. I faced all types of guys. It was good competition. I can play at that level. I didn’t feel out of place. I might be a bit shorter than your average OL, but I played with toughness.
Alex Khvatov: What type of feedback did you receive from scouts?
Joey Kuperman: It was all good. I talked to the Saints. I had a personal interview with them. He told me that I am a half an inch too short, and my hands are short. But he told me that I played well. I can hang with any guys. He told me that I was proficient and dominant.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Joey Kuperman: During my redshirt sophomore year, we played against Montana. It was an awesome place to play. Their stadium is always packed. They were up 16-14. We received the punt and drove the ball with 30 seconds left. It was an opening game of the season, and we kicked the game-winning field goal. The 2016 season was also a great year. We made it to the playoffs.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Joey Kuperman: Chargers. I had issues with them moving to LA. But I couldn’t turn my back on them now. I will always cheer for them.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Joey Kuperman: The favorite OL is guard Shaq Mason. My coach in 2016 told me that I reminded him off Shaq. He is fast, physical and plays low. I closely resemble him.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?
Joey Kuperman: You have to be smart and know where you are going. It can make up for your lack of physical ability.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Joey Kuperman: Harry Whitson will be a center next year. He played guard the last two years. FB Joe Protheroe got hurt last year. He got a medical.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Joey Kuperman: I enjoy playing with my teammates. It is a team game. You personally get exactly what you put into it. Hard work pays off. It will guide me.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Joey Kuperman: Fishing and I golf occasionally.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Joey Kuperman: I am a business major. I want to go to law school.
Alex Khvatov: Finish the sentence, Joey Kuperman is….
Joey Kuperman: An honest guy. I will always be straightforward with you. I always take that approach in life.
