Josh Pederson
Tight End / Louisiana-Monroe
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Josh Pederson: I am 6’4 ¾ and I weighed in at 243 recently.
Alex Khvatov: How were you preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Josh Pederson: I was at home in New Jersey. We have a home gym where my parents live. Then I came back to the school. There was a gym in Monroe that was open. On June 1st, our school opened up the facilities. We have been working out in groups of eight.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Josh Pederson: I played golf. I was an avid golfer. I wanted to go to college for golf. I grew up playing it. Golf was the focus for me for a long time, and I loved it. I was pretty decent.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Josh Pederson: They brought me in to play QB because of my dad. I played QB during my younger days and I can throw it. During the summer workouts, I was playing in golf tournaments. They had to fill in the QB spot. They stuck me at TE, and I was a backup QB.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Josh Pederson: During my junior year, I started receiving junior college offers in the Midwest. Then D-II and NAIA schools offered me. I was offered a preferred walk-on spot at Kansas State. Arkansas talked to me, but never offered.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at Louisiana-Monroe?
Josh Pederson: During my official visit, I loved it. It was my last offer. It was actually my only D-I offer. I got a scholarship from them. I grew up Louisiana. My mom is from here. My dad’s family is from here. There is a connection with UL-Monroe. My dad played QB here at UL-Monroe. The school was just called differently back then.
Alex Khvatov: Your father (Doug Pederson) was a QB in the NFL and just led the Eagles to a Super Bowl a couple of years ago. What has he taught you about the game?
Josh Pederson: During my high school career, my dad would come to the games on Friday and sit in the stands. At night, he would talk to me about what I needed to work on. In college, he also gives me some pointers about my game. He watches my games on film.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career?
Josh Pederson: I redshirted my first year. I was a 215-pound TE. It helped me learn the playbook and get stronger. As a redshirt freshman, I started the first six games. I had 12 receptions. My sophomore year, I had 12 receptions and two TD’s. I am more of a pass catching TE. Junior year, we have put more emphasis on the TE position. I had nine TD’s and 43 receptions during this year. I was a weapon on offense. We went 4-8 the first year, 6-6 my second year and 5-7 this past year. We have been in a lot of close games. We have to close them out.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from UL Monroe this upcoming season?
Josh Pederson: We should be great on offense, and the defense will be better this year. We have a great team. Josh Johnson is coming back at RB. We have young guys at WR. We have a transfer at center, and our O-line is back. There will be a QB battle. We should get the best out of both guys. On defense, we have an All-American CB in Corey Straughter.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Josh Pederson: I have pretty good speed and good hands. I pride myself for not having a lot of drops. I am 6’5 and 240. I run pretty good routes.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Josh Pederson: Coming into college, I was behind the eight-ball when it comes to my weight. I was 235 last year. I have always been undersized, but I like to block. I want to be more of a threat in the run game. I want to be an all-around TE. I need to be a better blocker.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Josh Pederson: Scoring a TD against Florida State. I tripped on the second one. I scored two TD’s against Memphis.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Josh Pederson: They taught me everything I know. I was super raw out of high school. They taught me about blocking and footwork. They have made me the player I am today. I am an athlete. They have given me the tools to play on Saturday.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Josh Pederson: I definitely pull for whatever team my dad is working for. Packers were my team growing up. My dad played for them. I was super happy when the Chiefs won the Super Bowl this year because my dad worked for them. Now it is the Eagles.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Josh Pederson: George Kittle. I love his game. He is a big, athletic dude who plays with physicality. Travis Kelce and Zach Ertz.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Josh Pederson: It was my first collegiate start against Memphis. Genard Avery was a starting LB for them. He was the best one.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a TE?
Josh Pederson: Being one of the toughest dudes on the field. You have to be up there with the O-linemen. You have to be mean and physical in the run game and run good routes in the passing game. Toughness.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Josh Pederson: Football brings my whole family together. It brings them together on Saturday and Sunday. My grandparents and my friends. My dad is in the spotlight now.
Alex Khvatov: How cool was it to see your dad win the Super Bowl against the Patriots?
Josh Pederson: It was the best weekend of my life. I was hanging out at the hotel. It didn’t feel like the Super Bowl when you are there. It was the first Super Bowl that I have been to. They won. All of the hard work paid off.
Alex Khvatov: Do your other brothers play football as well?
Josh Pederson: My younger brother is going to Clemson as a student. My older brother played at Samford. He was a college QB, and played behind Duck Hodges.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Josh Pederson: There are two definitions. You can be an outspoken guy. Another one is the one who leads by example. I am one of those lead by example guys.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Josh Pederson: I love golf way more now. I am a scratch golfer. I can shoot an under par if I am having a good day. My swing is pretty good. I started playing at a really young age when my dad was still playing for the Packers. I also like fishing. I spend a lot of time by the water in Monroe.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Josh Pederson: I am more creative than most people think. I have a great head on my shoulders. It is how I was raised.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Josh Pederson: I have an interest in coaching. I took an internship with the Eagles and saw the coaching side of it. It was super beneficial. I want to be more of a high school coach in the future. I graduated with a kinesiology degree and I start my master’s in sports management in July.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Josh Pederson: Creative, humorous, kind, street smart, and humble.
