Name: David Albert
School: Incarnate Word
Position: K/P
Height: 5’11″
Weight: 195
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
I set out to start on kickoff and make an impact through that for the season and I did! Through the first 4 weeks of the season our kickoff team was 3rd in the country for the fewest average return yards, with also scoring a touchdown on a trick kickoff in one of the wildest plays I’ve ever been a part of against TSU! We had 4 fumble recoveries through my trick kickoffs on the year and finished 17th in the country on fewest return yards allowed as well. So overall it was a great year!
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I feel I pride myself on being coachable and always being there for my teammates in anything they need for me. How I’d go to hell and back for them whether it’s giving them a ride to fix their tire or consoling them after a rough loss. I’ve always been there for my teammates and will continue to be there for them for as long as I live!
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
In kicking, you can’t control what others do. How the snap will be, how the hold will turn out, you can only control how you foot meets the leather. When I watch kicking film, I break down every frame and see exactly what ways I can maximize the most amount of torque and accuracy on the ball that I can get. From as detailed as watching my plant, slowing down my drive step, and how I follow through, these small nuances are what makes the key difference on gameday making kicks.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
Work ethic is the main thing that separates me from the next kicker. I know everyone works hard and I don’t take that away from anyone, but not only do I live and breathe for this every day, my mom gave up everything when she immigrated here from Costa Rica. So, to work hard every day, be successful, and make her plight worth it is my only option in life, period. That’s the X factor that drives my deep heart and passion for this game, being the first Costa Rican to make it in Pro Football, it’s something I take personal and the main reason why I will never be outworked.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I have partnered with FitLabUSA in Mansfield, TX as my home base for all my NFL speed and strength training. In order to keep me in shape and help gain that extra edge, my head trainer Tristian Smith trains me through explosion techniques and leg drives to keep that pop on the ball fast and fresh!
I also have been training with my kicking coach Brian Egan of One on One Kicking in Frisco, TX to help better my craft in form and kicking technique making me an all-around better kicker.
These two assets I have are my main training regiment I have used this offseason to prepare for the next level. Targeting both strength training and kicking form training making me the best kicker I can be.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I think my coachability, always positive attitude, and extreme work ethic 24/7, will show the most to coaches and teammates when I join whichever team I’m on. I have always been able to impact my team in a positive way wherever I go, boosting team chemistry, and leading by example in having a hard work ethic. These are key things that I believe will stand out the most when my name is called, and true character is shown the most.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
My phone is always on and I’m always ready. I am working nonstop every week finding ways to get better and prepare for any opportunity that’s to come. I thank the Lord God for just getting me here and being in this position by blessing my hard work over the years. So with that I say, in signing me, you won’t find anyone else who will work harder, and take this more seriously than I do. Because I’m on a mission, and I won’t stop till I get there, or the wheels fall off.
2020 Draft Eligible Kicker/Punter combo from the “University of The Incarnate Word” (2018 Southland Champions)! Transferred from “Alabama State University” after my first 2 years and started 34 games combined at both Division 1 Universities! Am currently the first Costa Rican to enter the NFL Draft with hopes of playing professional football!
Career Accolades -2018 Southland Conference Champion -2016 Fred Mitchell Award Watchlist -1st Kicker to receive scholarship and play at the Division 1 level from my High School.
Career Stats (Field Goal) -10/14 in career *1 Blocked* (71.4%) -94 % on PAT’s (61 made) -Long of 34 -Career High 2/2 FG’s and 3/3 PAT’s (9 points/100%) vs TX Southern -Career High 8/8 PAT’s (8 Points/100%) vs MVSU
Career Stats (Kickoff) -Finished season 18th in country for fewest Avg. return yards allowed on Kickoff in 2019. -1 Solo Tackle -5 Fumbles Recovered on KO (1 Fumble Recover for TD) -2,713 Total KO Yards on 60 Kickoffs (36 Deep kicks / 24 Sky kicks) in 2019. -1 TB -Avg. Hang and Distance (3.41 / 54.4 yards) in 2019. Kicking coach/references