Post by David on Apr 19, 2017 2:07:49 GMT -8
#19 - CRAIG PETERSON (K)
Craig Peterson is a 6'3'', 225 lb kicker from State University of New York at Cortland. The 31-year old from Burnt Hills, NY has spent time with the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks during their 2014 training camp and played two seasons with the AFL's Tampa Bay Storm from 2015-2016.
In his first season in the IFL, Peterson has stabilized a position that was a constant revolving door for the Empire in 2016. Through six games this season, he ranks first in the IFL in field goal percentage at 69%, converting 9 out of 13 kicks. His 9 field goals are tied for the second most converted field goals in the IFL, and he has converted 24 of 33 extra points.
On April 14th, Peterson converted a 56 yard field goal against the Colorado Crush. At the time of this writing, it is the longest converted field goal of the 2017 IFL Season, and 6 yards longer than the previous season long by Colorado's Spencer Groner (50 yards).
You can follow him on Twitter at CraigTheLeg19.
Peterson answers our questions below:
1. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement in football so far?
Playing professional football with no prior football experience and kicking a season long 47 yd FG in the AFL my rookie year.
2. What was it that drew you to Spokane and to earn a roster spot with the team?
The team environment and the coaching staff.
3. What's your impression of the Spokane Empire organization and the Ninth Man compared to other places you've played?
The fans are very loyal here and they are behind us no matter the outcome.
4. What impact do you hope to make with the Empire this season?
To make this special teams unit the best in the league and help win football games.
5. What personal or team goals do you wish to accomplish this season?
Team leader in points scored and the best FG % in the league.
6. What is your biggest long-term goal for your professional football career?
To play in the NFL.
7. Who has inspired you the most in your football career and in life?
In life, my mother. In my football career, my kicking coach.
8. How do you like to spend your free time?
Play the guitar, getting outdoors, playing other sports, basketball, soccer, tennis, etc. Helping other kickers pursue their dreams of being professional kickers. Giving kicking lessons.
9. What would you like Empire and IFL fans to know about you that they might not know?
I didn't ever play high school or college football. My first time ever playing football was a as a pro with the Tampa Bay Storm.
(Graphic courtesy SCtoC)
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