Q&A with West Virginia long snapper John DePalma

West Virginia long snapper John DePalma is one of the top special-teams contributors in the draft. An Academic All-Big 12 selection, DePalma snapped for the Mountaineers for four seasons. The 6-5, 252-pound Georgia native and former West Virginia Special Teams Most Valuable Player played tight end and defensive end as an all-county selection in high school and was a four-year starter in basketball and a member of the National Honor Society. National Football Post caught up with DePalma for the following interview: How's the draft process going so far? DePalma: "It's going well. Most of the teams, they really like me. I've got the size that's ideal for NFL long snapping. They are very impressed with that and my snap is pretty natural." How would you rate your kick coverage? DePalma: "I feel very good. I'm usually the biggest guy down the field." What teams have shown the most interest? DePalma: "Of the teams that are interested, I would say the Eagles are the most interested. I've worked out for teams." Is there a long snapper you emulate? DePalma: "I used to watch Patrick Mannelly from the Chicago Bears. He was a similar size to me. What do you like about being a long snapper? DePalma: "I like it a lot. I like being the best at something. I decided in high school I would be the best long snapper." What are your plans after football? DePalma: "I'm not completely sure. I want to play football as long as possible. My parents went into real estate, so maybe that. My uncle does a lot of life insurance." Follow me on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL Aaron Wilson covers the Texans for The Houston Chronicle.
Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for National Football Post, his second stint at the Post. He has previously written for Pro Football Talk and FOX Sports-Scout. Entering his 13th year covering the Baltimore Ravens, he's a beat writer for The Baltimore Sun. Wilson has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

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