Former Long Snapper Derek Hart Signs with the Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Former James Madison long snapper Derek Hart signed a pro contract with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League, the organization announced on Friday.

"It's very humbling because I didn't even pursue football out of school, so I had to start from scratch," Hart said by phone Friday. "I had to get in contact with people to get back into it. It's been a grind and a process, and to see it finally come together and get this opportunity with the Packers has been an amazing experience."

Hart was a member of the JMU football team from 2011-15, playing in 43 career games. He was the team's primary long snapper for his final three seasons, and did not have one bad snap during his career.

The Manheim, Pa., native also played tight end, making three receptions for 53 yards, including a career-long 37-yard catch as a redshirt freshman in 2012.

"He was always right on target with really good velocity in his snaps," JMU Special Teams Coordinator John Bowers said. "He's an extremely hard worker, which for that position you have to be very self-motivated. You aren't getting the pats on the back like at other positions, and he took great pride in his role. He'll be able to perform under pressure, because he's been in those situations before. He was a good leader, a great role model and did everything right here at JMU."

Following graduation, Hart worked for nine months as an engineer with Harley Davidson before setting his sights on the NFL. He participated in free-agent combines in both January and March before receiving an invitation to work out for the Packers, leading to his signing with the franchise.

"I was sitting there signing the contract already thinking what to do next," Hart said. "I was motivated before, and after today, I'm super motivated; motivated squared, we can put it like that."

The Packers' offseason workout programs begin April 17, while rookie mini camps, OTAs and mandatory minicamps will run during May and June.

Former Dukes Currently in the NFL
Daniel Brown – Tight End – Chicago Bears
John DeFilippo – Quarterbacks Coach – Philadelphia Eagles
Derek Hart – Long Snapper – Green Bay Packers
Dean Marlowe – Safety – Carolina Panthers
Arthur Moats – Linebacker – Pittsburgh Steelers
Earl Watford – Offensive Lineman – Jacksonville Jaguars
Josh Wells – Offensive Lineman – Jacksonville Jaguars

#Packers sign long snapper Derek Hart.

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— Green Bay Packers (@packers) March 31, 2017

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