2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Alex Larson, TE, Saint John’s University

• Name: Alex Larson
• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 240 lbs.
• Position: TE
• College: Saint John’s University
• Twitter: alar_51
• Instagram: alar51

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I am a Communications major with a minor in Exercise Health Science. Outside of football, I have also participated in intramural basketball. I also regularly participate in a Bible Study for athletes.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I lead by example. I wouldn’t expect anything from someone that I’m not willing to do. I set the tone in the weight room and on the field. Everything that I do, I have objectives and I do with a purpose.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself in a leadership role. I have been on our leadership team for 2 years. I’m an all-around TE who has embraced a tenacious attitude as a blocker as well as a receiver. I’m a strong in-line blocker in the run game. I’m also very confident being spread in the slot or out wide as a receiver. My skill set allows me to be on the field for every snap regardless of the play. Our offense mixes up schemes in order to take advantage of mismatches in games.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Aurora had QB Gavin Zimmelman who was a very effective athlete and leader who ran his offense very well.

Bethel has a young talented safety in Nate Farm who has been very impressive. We know to scheme against him in our games.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
QB Jackson Erdman was a great leader for our program. He impressed me a lot in how he was able to handle himself. He had next level preparation and gave more than his share of intensity in games.

Ben Bartch was a 4th round draft pick to the Jaguars in 2020 and really helped put us on the map. He was an awesome teammate who showed great determination.

My current QB Aaron Syverson has been a great asset to our team. He has clicked very well with our offense, showing great football IQ and accuracy.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Last season, we were playing in stride coming into our conference championship game with an unbeaten record. We had a tough opponent in Bethel, and we were down 2 touchdowns going into the half. We took half-time to refocus ourselves and instill belief in one another. Afterwards, we finished strong, coming out with a victory of 29-28.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would have played basketball. I played on a very competitive team in high school and thought that I might have played coming into St Johns although I decided to stick with just football.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Being part of a winning program and having tons of fans come to every game has been very enjoyable. We are always in the title picture every year which is always our goal to win. Some of my personal achievements include being named Honorable All-American and listed as Lindy’s Preseason All-American.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Winning our conference championship game this past season was very memorable. On a 4th down and goal on the last play of the game, I was lined up on the left side with Ravi Alston. Bethel was in man coverage, and I caught a perfect screen pass, going into the endzone for the game-winning touchdown.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a bit of a homer and am a Vikings fan. As far as players, I enjoy watching George Kittle who is a do-it-all type of player. I like to emulate him.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Before games I might listen to artists like Motley Crue, Future or Meek Mill. Although, if I am just doing my thing and trying to relax, I’m probably listening to country music like Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen or Luke Combs.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chipotle. Tastes good and has good calories.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
One of my favorite movies is Remember the Titans. I’m a fan of Paul Rudd and enjoy his movies. SpongeBob is a TV show that I like.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to do yoga, just meditating and relaxing. I also like to just hang out with my friends and teammates. I also enjoy watching YouTube videos.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I’ve just fallen in love with the game. I haven’t been playing for very long, yet I have thoroughly enjoyed the culture and vibe of football. I believe there is nothing like it. I also want to be the best at my position and see where it gets me.

My family is my motivation. My parents have always been there for me. They have helped me grow into the best person that I can be in football and in life.