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.