NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Alex Hoff, DE/LB, Linfield College

NFL Draft Diamonds and our staff have been bringing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 2 years and this year we mixed up the questions and added some fun questions for our readers. We have tons of NFL staff that read our interviews, and we actually received several of the questions from NFL scouts we speak too. This gives them a little bit more information regarding your character. We hope to bring you more than 300 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner.

What is your name?

Alex Hoff

What is your Height/Weight?

6’2 250 

What is your position?

DE/OLB/Long Snapper 

Where do you play college football?

Linfield College 

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field?

Every year my team sponsors two families in out town during the holiday season. Knowing we are making someone’s day and potentially influencing their life is something that really makes you feel good. I also help at a two week summer football camp Linfield puts on for high schools from all over the Northwest 

What was the hardest class you ever had to take?

Business law 

Where are you from?

Lebanon Oregon 

Who is your role model and why?

Joe Smith (Coach) He is always trying to be a better man, husband, father, and coach. If that is the attitude you can wake up with in the morning there are going to be very few things that can stand in the way of your dreams.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Wrestled for 13 years. Track and field in high school 

Did you play any other positions in football?

Tight End 

At your position, what separates you from others?

My football IQ since playing at Linfield has improved so much. Recognizing little adjustments offenses do to allow you as a player to take risks and go make a play. I would also say my desire to get to the ball and to be a stand out player is something that gives me a competitive edge.

When you are breaking down film what do you look for?

First is formation recognition. Next is what is the back field set and what types or plays are going to be possible. Then I would say breaking down my opponents’ weaknesses and potential attacking points.

Who what the toughest player you faced?

2014 Whitewater tackle 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would if be and why?  

Clay Matthews. He is an electric player that plays on the outside edge and is an elite pass rusher and also dominating force in the stopping the run. He plays with great emotion and really is a fun player to watch on Sundays. 

What is the biggest obstacle in your life, and how did you overcome it?

My family splitting up when I was ten. I am the youngest of three boys and both my brothers moved away when I was ten and my parents divorced. I was left to find my own identity and sense of fulfillment in a rundown town with no future in sight. Sports are how I turned a bad situation into a good one. Football gave me a chance to get out of the town I was in and create a bright future for myself. I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for the game of football.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Music turned up and I just try to focus on being a dominating force when the game kicks off. I visualize my success and take a moment to be grateful for each and every play I am given because with the game of football you really never know what can happen.

As a small school football player what obstacles do you feel you have had to overcome?

People thinking that I’m only a standout player because the competition I’ve been going against. I also have had to deal with intensive school and a very busy football schedule. So some things have been much harder than it would have been if I were a division-1 football player.

What is your biggest strength? 

I am a fast player with great reaction time. Having a great mental desire to be a play makers is also a strength I have

What is your biggest weakness? 

I am a fast player and sometime move on sound not ball movement.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I am a fresh, hungry young man with a good head on my shoulders. I have showed nothing but potential over my college career as a very diverse football player that could provide some sort of service and benefit to your organization.

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up? 

Seahawks

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose? 

JJ Watt, Lawrence Taylor, My Dad

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

Pay off student Loans.

Rapid answers:

• Tupac or Biggie?
• NFL Network of ESPN?
• Coke or Pepsi?
• Burgers or Pizza?
• Dogs or Cats?