Richard Pedersen '14 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing football for 7 years and have started both ways every year but one. I am a very hard worker in every thing I do: in my academics, my community, my church and most importantly my sports.  I play linebacker, fullback, nose tackle any position my coaches need me to play I use my strength and heart to complete it. During my senior year recorded over 30 tackles in two games and only had about two and a half games of playing time before I had to have shoulder surgery.  my junior year was asked  by my coach to switch to play offensive line due to a shortage on the roster.  Although it was not my usual position, and I was not nearly as big as some of the tackles I was going against, I received All Conference, 2nd team all mid western league. What I may not have in height I more than make up for in strength and mentality. I am a high academic scholar, National Honor Society Member, and am currently taking classes for dual credit at the junior college in my area to get a head start on my college competitors. I use my not being extremely tall (5'11) to my advantage.  Sometimes, the competition will underestimate me if they haven't played against me before.  They soon find that size does not matter to me; because I have strength, heart, determination and work ethic second to none.  I am happy to put in a full work-out with the team, and then come home or to the weight room and put in another hour or two.  I love to hit, love to find the holes to make tackles, and will happily take down anyone; wrestling has taught me that.  I will do my best to play anywhere anyone needs me. I am extremely coachable and a team player, I have character - I am not "a character" that you will need to keep an eye on. I am an Eagle Scout and a devout LDS Church member.  I am active in leadership in my church and scouting programs.  I plan on going on a two year mission (Oct 2014-2016)  because service and helping people to have a better life is very important to me. I look forward to speaking to you and setting things up for when I return. I will be an even better athlete when I return and will work my tail off wherever I go.