Fresno State’s Morice Norris Jr., right, attempts to sack Wyoming quarterback Andrew Peasley in game action Nov. 25, 2022, in Fresno. Peasley, a former La Grande High School football standout, in 2024 plans to join the NFL draft.

LA GRANDE — Andrew Peasley knew he wasn’t ready to hang up his helmet just yet. The former La Grande High School standout announced his decision on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday, Jan. 23, that he would enter his name into the NFL draft.

“I just don’t want to give up on (football) yet and I want to give it a shot,” said Peasley, who led Wyoming to a 9-4 record this past season throwing for nearly 2,000 yards, rushing for over 400 and accounting for 27 touchdowns.

With his college career behind him, Peasley is focusing all his energy on an upcoming pro day in Laramie, Wyoming. He will throw and test for NFL personnel March 19 with several Wyoming receivers and tight ends stepping up to be on the other end of his passes. He is working with the Cowboy strength and conditioning staff to prepare to showcase his talents.

“I am doing a lot of lifting and really focusing on the 40-yard dash, 5- and 10-yard shuttle and L-drill,” he said. “I am working on my accuracy and arm strength.”

At a little over 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Peasley said his goal is to put about 10 pounds on his frame before the pro day. Adding weight — instead of losing — sounds like a dream to many, but it doesn’t come easy for the Cowboy QB.

“My metabolism works pretty fast so I just have to keep eating throughout the day,” he said. “I have to get about 6,000 calories a day, which is not a lot of fun.”

Peasley, 24, brings the run-pass option to the football field and said his time at Wyoming — after transferring from Utah State with two years of eligibility remaining — has been extremely beneficial.

“Playing in a pro-style offense really helped me understand the game more,” said Peasley, who previously played in spread offenses. “The transition of being around a new team and meeting new people really helped too.”

Peasley said he studied plenty of film — 10-15 hours weekly — and developed as a passer because it demanded that he be able to read the defense and know where to attack it.

Perseverance

Peasley has had his fair share of challenges during his football career, with injuries and the transfer from Utah State to Wyoming.

“I have experienced a lot of good things and bad things, but I think all of that has just made me who I am today,” he said. “I look forward to taking those skills and trying to move on to the next level.”

Peasley was not assured of a starting position when he transferred within the Mountain West Conference, but his determination and grit won out.

As he prepares for his next challenge, he does so with the support of his wife, Maia, and their young son, Andrew Navy, all helping Peasley keep things in perspective.

Growing up in La Grande

Peasley was a three-year starter at quarterback for the Tigers and twice earned honorable mention all-state honors. He threw for 4,318 yards and 45 touchdowns and rushed for 931 yards and 23 TDs. As a senior, he led La Grande to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.

It was during this time that he realized major college football and perhaps more was possible.

“When Boise State coaches showed up at La Grande High School to talk to me, it gave me that confirmation that I could play,” he said. “It was that moment that I really started chasing it.”

Unsurprisingly, Peasley has received a steady stream of congratulations and support from home since announcing his intentions to join the NFL draft.

“I feel like I am very privileged to be from a place like La Grande,” he said. “There are a lot of small-town kids that want to make it in sports, and I think if I can, then anyone can.”