Name: Alex Helmer
School: Minnesota Duluth
Position: LB
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 220
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
Goals I had coming into my final season was to win a conference title and have the best defense in the country again.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
Coaches have said I’m a gritty hard nose guy who understands the game of football and will be in right position to make plays and works hard and has fun on the field.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
When I study film I like to watch tendencies. Either being the o line and which way they slide the protection or which side is the man or zone side of the protection. Then watch the tendencies of the individual o lineman and see how they kick step and use their hands.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
What separates me from other people at my position would definitely be my football IQ. I understand the game of football and what the offense is trying to do in certain situations.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
I’m currently working out at ETS in Woodbury MN. Around 5 to 6 days a week.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The strengths and abilities I would bring to the team on and off the field is that I’m an all around genuine guy. I work hard on and off the field and am a leader by example.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I am not afraid of uphill battles, I “walked on” at UMD and ended up a with a very satisfying career and a positive experience for myself, my teammates, my team the and coaching staff, plus an excellent education!
The journey from “Preferred Walk-on” to “First Team DII All American,” proves to me that it can be done and excellent players sometimes get missed. It also proves to me success can happen even when it seams like you are from a small school like I was in High School (Prescott WI) or a DII school (UMD). I am familiar with being overlooked and being late to the game. You will find me honest, hardworking, intense, driven, an athletic team player who likes to win and be successful with a high football IQ.
You might say I have a chip on my shoulder and something to prove.
I continue to improve each and every day as a football player and feel I can do even more. I am used to the challenge of being the underdog and the overlooked. The professional team that gives me a chance will be pleasantly surprised much like the University of Minnesota Duluth, to who I am grateful for the opportunity to succeed.