Interview: Joe Torchia, TE, Virginia

No one will ever accuse Joe Torchia of taking an easy road to the NFL. He spent the first three years of his college career at Virginia stuck behind three NFL bound tight ends (Tom Santi, Jonathon Stupar, and John Phillips), and did not register a catch until his junior year.

 Torchia didn’t get discouraged however, and made the most of his time behind the future pros. “They took me under their wing and taught me different things, the ins and outs of football” Torchia said. He spent the majority of his freshman and sophomore years on special teams and in goal line packages, where he displayed excellent blocking skills.

At the start of his senior year, Torchia was ready to live up to his potential.  He “was ready to step up and help the team anyway I could”. After a game against USC where he recorded 5 catches for 73 yards, Torchia was primed to make a name for himself. However just two games later Torchia tore his labrum in his right shoulder, an injury that would end his senior season.

“It was extremely frustrating. Coming off the surgery [for a previous shoulder injury] the year before, I worked so hard to get back, and help the team win. I started off really well… and the team was working in a positive direction” Torchia recalled. He likened the injury to an “invisible wall, keeping me from being on the field with my team. It was frustrating.”

Torchia said the love of the game kept him motivated through his rehab: “I love football. It’s something I’ve always done, and it’s something I want to continue doing. It’s why I kept working”.  His perseverance has paid off. Initially the injury was expected to keep him out of pre draft workouts, but now Torchia expects to go full speed for Virginia’s pro day on March 17^th. “I’ve got full range of motion, I’m strong, and I can’t wait to get back on the field” he said of his repaired shoulder. Torchia expects to have a strong showing for what he called “one of the biggest job interviews an athlete will ever face”.   

Torchia’s strong blocking, potential as a receiver, and unstoppable work ethic will make him appealing to NFL teams in spite of shortened senior season. Optimum Scouting wishes him the very best.