Name: Kellen Grave de Peralta
Year: Sophomore
Position: Punter
Height: 6-1
Weight: 182
Hometown: Norcross, Ga.
High School: Norcross
Major: Political Science
What do you want to do after graduation and why? I think I'd like to go into naval aviation because learning how to fly is a skill many do not have and I just think I would find it fun to be able to operate any type of aircraft. I'd prefer fixed wing specifically because I think it will translate well into finding a pilot career in the private sector after my time in the military.
Why did you choose Navy? I chose Navy for a few reasons; the biggest one being that it offers so much more academically, athletically and financially than any other opportunities I was given in the recruiting process during high school. A more emotional reason is the fact that I was essentially born because of the Navy. My parents first met each other during their time at Officer Candidate School in Newport. They established their careers in the service with my Dad serving a combined 20 years active and reserves with the SEAL Teams and my Mom serving 20 years active in the Human Resources Division. Many of the things they learned during their time in the Navy, they utilized in raising me to the man I am today. When I was offered the opportunity to play here, I knew immediately it was where I am supposed to be. My uncle is also a 1992 grad, so he helped a lot with offering me comfort through his advice and experience at USNA.
What would you tell somebody that is considering coming to Navy to play football? If you're looking for a place to be a part of a loving and competitive team, the bond we share is simply incomparable to any other program in the country. The hardships and challenges you'll face here will be a great burden, but the best part is having your teammates help carry that burden with you and this makes us that much closer. It makes winning that much more special.
If you could play another position, what position would you play and why? Without a doubt, I would be a long snapper or QB. Many people don't know I can sling the ball pretty well.
If you could choose any opponent for Navy to play that is currently not on the schedule, who would you choose and why? Although it would be a tough one, I wish we could play Georgia one time in Athens. I have a lot of old high school friends who would come out and I think the atmosphere in Sanford Stadium would be awesome to experience.
Favorite class at the Naval Academy and why? I would probably say any history class just because I find it really cool to reflect on all of the big events of the past and the people who were involved which ultimately shaped how our world is today. Contrary to popular belief, I really enjoyed Naval History last year, especially when we covered all of the battles during WWII.
Hardest class at the Naval Academy and why? Calculus II last year was one of the worst things I've ever put myself through. When the math involves 90% letters (most of which are greek) and 10% of actual numbers, you can expect to find me having a mental breakdown.
Favorite teacher at the Naval Academy and why? My favorite professor so far has been Dr. Lunsford. She was partly the reason why I enjoyed Naval History so much because she not only brought enthusiasm to what she was teaching, but had a great way of teaching it with variety.
Favorite form of social media and why? I like Youtube a good bit. There's a lot of content creators I follow that make videos of things related to some of my hobbies like tutorials, interesting or funny clips, etc.
Favorite person to follow on social media and why? I enjoy following some different podcasts like Joe Rogan, Fresh and Fit or Ben Shapiro
If you could have dinner with any 4 people at the Naval Academy who would you choose and why?: I'd go with Riley Riethman because we're really close competitors and his desire to be better than me at everything makes me work harder. Jordan Sanders because we got pretty close last year as company mates and now we'll be roommates coming up this year, very similar in personality and he's quite a goofy dude and fun to be around. My third would be Kevin Thibodeaux because we both went through some similar struggles last year and got really close because of that. Cole Williams has to be my 4th because he's always making me laugh and our work ethic is very similar. We also got pretty close by going through the same struggles during the season.
Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy outside of football and why? I'd have to go with Lacrosse because I have some friends on the team and I find it entertaining to watch them play.
If you didn't play football at Navy, what sport would you play and why? I would probably be swimming because I used to swim a good bit back when I was younger and I really enjoyed it.
What song is playing on your headphones in the locker room right before taking the field? Rockstar Made by Playboi Carti
What is your dream vacation? I think I'd like to explore Europe a little more, especially some of the Nordic countries.
How many teams should make the FBS Playoffs? 16
What is the best thing about being in the American Athletic Conference? Presents to us a great challenge by playing really good teams and visiting different parts of the country.
One word to describe a Navy Football player: Resilient
Who will be the surprise player on offense in 2022 and why? I have a tie between Maquel Haywood and Kroy Myers. I am not able to pay much attention during practice, but when I do those guys fly down the field.
Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2022 and why? Right now it's Eavan Gibbons. Eavan is constantly in beast mode during the off season and in practice.
Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team and why? I have to say Tai Lavatai especially after the Army performance. As a QB, he's never afraid to get hit and takes a lot of contact especially on the run.
What player epitomizes Navy Football and why? Eavan Gibbons for the same reasons as before. He is fast, strong, loves what he does, and never throttles back on anything.
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on offense in 2022 and why? I think with a year under his belt, Tai is going to make so many great plays which will be a big difference maker in a lot of our games this year.
Who will be the Most Valuable Player on defense in 2022 and why? I would say Rayuan Lane just because as a plebe last year he started and was really good. He's super dominant at his position and one of the most talented guys I've ever played with. I think he'll be a big hitter on defense and will create a lot of big tackles and turnovers this year.
What are you most looking forward to in 2022? Beating Army… again.
