2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Alan Giron, DB, Southwest Minnesota State University

• Name: Alan Giron
• Position: DB
• College: Southwest Minnesota State University
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 195 lbs
• Twitter: @alangiron_6
• Instagram: @gogettaal_

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Growing up I always loved watching the game but I was never able to play youth ball. When I got into high school I finally started to play and I fell in love with the grind and the game.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I have a handful of favorite moments. One was my junior year of high school, we won on a hail mary in the last 3 seconds of the game and the feeling I had during that is indescribable. Another moment was that same season, but it was our last game of the season to win our section and get a ring. We also won on a last second hail mary for the championship which is probably my top moment in my whole career. My last favorite moment is probably my second game this year at SMSU because of the home crowd we had and because I made some big time plays to help my team get our first win at home in 3 years.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

A family member who inspires me the most is my stepdad. He inspires me the most simply because he taught me how to work hard and to never give up on my dreams. When I wanted to play football in high school he told me how hard it would be and what came with the game, especially being someone who had never played before. He always pushed me in the weight room and in school so without him I would not be where I am today. Not only has he inspired me in terms of football and school but also with being a better man and for that he is my inspiration.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I could hang out with any football player it would be Jamal Adams. I say him because I feel my style of play is a lot like his and I’ve idolized him since he was at LSU. I think learning from him and picking his brain would allow me to learn new things about the game and broaden my knowledge of football.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I’m looking to fulfill my childhood dream of playing in the NFL. I’ve always been doubted and I owe it to myself and my loved ones to continuing pursuing that dream I had when I was a kid. Along with that I want to be able to show young kids that you can make it no matter what school you come from, how small you are, or how much people tell you that you can’t do it.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I’d say my favorite defensive scheme is running a 4-2-5 when I was at SMSU, coverage wise probably quarters because I fit perfectly at the nickel position and I love being the conflict defender against offenses and being a problem for them. I feel that it allows me to play free and be a big part of both the run and the pass so that I can make plays behind the line of scrimmage or in coverage.

What should we know about Alan Giron the person?

What you should about me is that I am a hard working resilient individual. I pride myself on the hard worker that I am. I’ve never been the biggest, the fastest or the most athletic but hard work has put me in the position to be successful and to be a leader on and off the field. My favorite thing to do is to work on the things I am bad at so that I can maximize my potential with the game of football and in everyday life.

What stands out about your film the most and why?

I would say what stands out the most is the fact that I can play all over the place. Not only that, but for my size I play very physical against tight ends and offensive linemen in the run game. I think these things stand out the most because it shows the level of knowledge I have for the defense and the athletic ability to cover man on man or play down on the line of scrimmage and hold the edge against guys twice my size.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I handle challenges by facing them head on and staying strong in my faith. My journey has been far from easy so when obstacles come my way I just know I have to control what I can control and let God handle the rest. One thing that will always stick with me through challenges in life or with football is, “tough times don’t last, tough people do”. And I live by that.

What would a team get in a player like you?

What a team would get in a player like me is someone who is a natural born leader, someone who is selfless, and someone who wants to just win! I am a vocal leader and lead by example whether in a football setting or outside of football. A main goal of mine when I’ve been on teams is for my teammates to look at me working hard or doing the right things and to just bring them along with me.

What do you love about the game of football?

I love that football made me the man I am today. Football teaches you so much more than just how to play a game, it teaches you hard work, teamwork, it teaches you to be accountable, and to always focus on the little things because those are the things that matter. Not only that but, I love football for where it has taken me as well. Football allowed me a free education and has brought me bonds with coaches/teammates that’ll last a lifetime. Without football I wouldn’t be the same person I am today.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I’ve played with is 100% my will backer from SMSU Onte Burns. He’s like me as far as being undersized, I believe he is about 5’11 and 210 pounds. Onte is a 1x All American but should really be a 3x All American. He’s broken records for tackles in a career at SMSU and in our conference, and is just an absolute unit on the football field. I don’t think Onte gets the shine and credit he should simply because he’s undersized and because we come from a small school. I really hope that he gets his opportunity to play at the next level because I know he will make the most of it.