Beyond the Pads: Justin Herron

24 Feb 2020 · 2 min

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2:15

In this segment of the Beyond the Pads series, host Max Starks interviews Wake Forest left tackle Justin Herron. Herron explains his personal "why" for playing offensive line and aspiring to the NFL, noting that he comes from a family of basketball players (Villanova alumni) and is the first football player in his family, driving him to prove himself and excel at any sport he chooses. He expresses a love for the technique and detail of offensive line play, describing the position as unique because it often places the player at a disadvantage that he enjoys overcoming. Starks asks Herron to identify his best and worst games of the past season; Herron cites a strong performance against Florida State as his best and a subpar showing versus Duke as his worst. Finally, when prompted for a one‑word descriptor, Herron chooses "Physical," encapsulating his playing identity. The interview blends personal motivation, technical appreciation, performance reflection, and self‑branding.

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Welcome to Beyond the Pads. My name is Max Starks and I'm joined by left tackle from Wake Forest, Justin Heron. What is your why? Why do you want to play offensive line and why do you want to make it to the NFL?
Well, coming from a little bit of background about me is I came from a family full of basketball players. My dad and his two older brothers, my uncles, have all played at Villanova. I'm the only person to ever play football in my family. So for me, I just wanted to prove that I could play football and be the best, and be the best that I can be. Even though I'm not playing basketball, I just wanted to be the best at whatever sport I'm playing. I just love the technique and the details of playing offensive line. I feel that it's a unique position. I mean, it's the only position where you're put at a disadvantage. And I just love that fact because I don't think there's no better feeling than being put at a disadvantage but coming out on top against your competition.
I, listen, I love it. I mean, as a tackle myself, I enjoy those moments. Now, if people are not familiar with you, and I think it's always good to give kind of that clarity, give me your best game in your mind and your worst game in your mind as far as watching film. From this past season? From this past season.
My best game would have to be Florida State by far. I felt like I played really, really well that game. And my worst game would probably be Duke. OK. OK.
Well, I'm happy to hear that your best game was against Florida State. Yeah. Just because me being a Gator, I have certain feelings in-state about them.
So that makes it really cool.
Right. Now here's probably one of my last questions. Give me one word to define you as a player? Physical. Physical. I like it. I like it. Well, we got the physical Justin Heron here, uh, and you've been watching Beyond the Pads. I'm Max Starks. Take care.