For most graduating seniors, spring term is a time for accumulating job offers or deciding to go to graduate school. For some exceptionally gifted Big Green athletes like Shane Peterlin '11, however, the door to professional athletics opens after graduation. While fellow students prepare to sublet apartments and buy office-suitable apparel, Peterlin will try to accomplish his dream of becoming a professional long snapper in the National Football League.
Peterlin an Arizona native has played the long snapper for the Big Green during his 24-game career at the College. He was originally recruited as an offensive lineman, but lingering injuries led him to specialize in long snapping.
"He's been very dedicated to his skills and his craft. He's really made it into a science," Big Green football head coach Buddy Teevens said in a previous interview with The Dartmouth. "He's worked extensively to understand the finer points of his craft."
Peterlin's time at Dartmouth has also coincided with the resurgence of the Big Green football team. In 2006, the year before Peterlin arrived at Dartmouth, the team only won two games. This year, the team finished with a winning record of six games won and four games lost. Peterlin credits the work of his teammates and the coaching staff, headed by Teevens, for returning the College's football program back to relevance.
"All along the way, Peterlin was there, providing perfect snapping for field goals and punts," associate head coach Chris Wilkerson. "Games are often lost on special teams, but Peterlin consistently put his teammates in the position to succeed."
Peterlin's favorite game in a Dartmouth uniform came in a 20-17 double overtime win against Cornell in the 2009 season. His snap under pressure led to a successful game-winning field goal.
According to his coaches, Peterlin is a very reserved and hard-working individual.
"He was a guy that kept to himself, went about his business and always did his work," Wilkerson said. "He always came early or stayed late to work on his skill. He has a tremendous work ethic."
The hard work that he has put into his football career has placed him on the precipice of an NFL contract. During this past winter term, he was one of three long snappers invited to play in the first annual Eastham Energy All Star Game in Tempe, Arizona on January 23. The players had the opportunity to showcase their talents, as all 32 NFL teams were represented either by general managers, coaches or scouts during game week. Due to his performance at the game, he was invited to Arizona for an NFL Specialists Combine, where he ranked second overall.
According to Peterlin, teams have been in touch with his agent, Brian Hamilton, in recent months. The ongoing NFL lockout has made it unclear when free agency will begin, but once it starts, teams can start reaching out to unsigned players.
"Hopefully, some team will pick me up and stick with me for the long haul," Peterlin said. "I'll be in camp and try to prove myself and take a spot. They'll get a good long snapper for hopefully 10 to 15 years".
The last Dartmouth alumnus to play in the NFL was tight end Casey Cramer '04, who was also the College's last All-American selection. He was taken in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
As a backup option, Peterlin has tried out for two teams in the United Football League. Over Green Key Weekend, he travelled to a tryout for the Las Vegas Locomotives. He is currently waiting for a callback.
In addition to working out and pursuing his dreams, Peterlin has reflected on his four years at Dartmouth.
"I've changed a lot since I got here," he said. "Maturity-wise, I've improved by leaps and bounds there's no place I'd rather have gone than here".
In addition to high hopes he has for himself, Peterlin said he expects great things from Big Green football in 2011 and beyond.
"The team should have very high expectations," he said. "If they don't win an Ivy League title they should be disappointed in themselves."
