DraftSeason: Your career got off to a very rough start when you missed 3 extra
points in your first game. What did you do to overcome that, and then go on to become one of the best kickers in the nation?
Alexis: I had to realize that I had a bad day. It happens to everyone but mine
was televised on national tv. I also had to accept the fact that football was not everything and that life will go on. I was able to meet great people on the way and do many great things because of that
experience.
DraftSeason: Alexis, you won the Lou Graza Award back in 2005, how much did
winning that mean to you?
Alexis: It meant a lot to me. As a kicker you hear about the Groza. I first
learned about it while playing NCAA Football. I always tried to win it
with the kickers I had. It was a dream come true. It is like the
Heisman for kickers, it is a great and prestigious accomplishment.
DraftSeason: What goes through your head right before you make a big kick?
Alexis: The same thing that goes through my head while kicking any kick. I
just try to stay relaxed as possible. I line myself up and just tell
myself to do the little things right. I have tons of trust in my
snapper and holder to do their job just as I they expect me to do
mine. Trust in both of them is a huge deal for me.
DraftSeason: What would you say is the best part of your game, your accuracy
or leg strength?
Alexis: That is a tough question to analyze. I feel I am accurate and have
good leg strength. I have the confidence in myself to prove either of
them if anyone were to challenge any of them. My coaches have trust in
me from 55 and in. I think they are both even in my eyes.
DraftSeason: How do you handle the pressure of being a kicker, knowing that
your leg may win or lose games for your team?
Alexis: I prepare myself before each game. Morning of gameday, I tell myself
that I am going to kick a game winning field goal. I try to think of
things that make me happy, such as my girlfriend and my family. It
makes a world of difference if you are happy and positive. I also have
to have fun. There is no point of playing if you are not going to have
fun on the field. It is a game I enjoy.
DraftSeason: In your opinion what is the absolute worst weather to kick in?
Alexis: It is tough to say. I have played in a lot of cold, wet, and windy
games that I have done well in. You have to take every kick the same
no matter what the weather is. I try to not worry about the weather.
Pre-game helps you prepare yourself on both sides of the field. I let
the coach know my range on both sides of the field. Communication is
key because you do not want to be put in a situation that you know you
cannot excel in.
DraftSeason: Who is the best return man you’ve ever kicked off to?
Alexis: It would be Reggie Bush. I was able to keep it away from him pretty
well. Now I have to deal with punting to some of the best in the
nation this year!
DraftSeason: Finally Alexis, what do you enjoy doing when you aren’t busy
nailing balls through the uprights?
Alexis: I like hanging out with my girlfriend. I try to spend as much time
with her as I can. I also enjoy playing video games with my roommate. I also
have a passion for coaching kickers how to kick as well. |
Home