Alex Highsmith

Defensive End / Charlotte

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall experience at the 2020 East/West Shrine Bowl? 

Alex Highsmith:  It’s been pretty awesome.  You get to go against good OL in the one on one’s.  I have been able to showcase my talent.  I can play against the best guys in the nation.  It is an experience to get interviewed by scouts.  I have been very busy, but a great experience.  I am grateful for this opportunity. 

Alex Khvatov:  Where does that relentless motor come from?

Alex Highsmith:  I have always had a chip on my shoulder.  Since being a walk-on.  I have always had to prove people wrong.  My motor is something that I have always had throughout my playing career.  Going out there and giving it my all on every play.      

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Charlotte? 

Alex Highsmith:  I was born and raised in Wilmington, NC.  I have a younger sister.  She goes to Chapel Hill.  My sophomore year, I was a short and chubby kid who didn’t care too much about sports.  I had a good junior year of high school.  It is when I realized that I can play CFB.  I had a good senior season.  I realized that I could play D-I.  I worked very hard, but I didn’t have any offers.  I had an FCS partial offer.  It was Furman.  It was still out of state.  I fell in love with Charlotte the first time I visited the campus.  I reached out to Charlotte.  I sent out my film.  They gave me a chance.  I was a walk-on.  I did all of the little things right.  I put my head down and got to work. 

Alex Khvatov:  What would you bring to an NFL team?

Alex Highsmith:  My pass rushing ability.  It is something that I have improved on this past year.  I learned a lot of techniques on.  I feel like I have become a technician when it comes to the pass rush.  I always bring a motor and effort.  I have a knack for getting after the ball. 

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest reason behind your breakout senior year?

Alex Highsmith:  My defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Marcus West came in and brought a new scheme.  I was double teamed a lot my junior year.  This year, we played a lot of nickel.  He gave me the freedom to be a true DE, get wide and get vertical.  He taught me so many things that I never knew about pass rush.  I am thankful for him.  He made me into the player that I am today.  We have texting this week and showing some of my film. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the toughest OL to face in practice this week?

Alex Highsmith:  Definitely Cam Clark.  He is my own teammate.  He is so physical.  He plays so hard.  He has a really long reach.  If he gets his hands on you, it is tough to get them off of you.  He is really good with his sets.  He is quick and he moves very well.  Going against him this past year in practice has sharpened me.  We made each other better in practice every day. 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Alex Highsmith:  Some aspects in the run game.  I am pretty good at getting off blocks.  I just need to be more firm and extending out to blocks in the run game. 

Alex Khvatov:  What was it like to finally go to a bowl game your senior year at Charlotte?

Alex Highsmith:  It was awesome.  We worked very hard this past year.  It was rewarding being one of the captains of the team.  Beating Marshall senior night to become bowl eligible.  It was my favorite moment of my college career.  All of the hard work really paid off.  This program has come very far.  We left that place better than we found it.                     

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

Alex Highsmith:  At EXOS in Arizona.    

Alex Khvatov:  What one word best describes you? 

Alex Highsmith:  Christian.  That is what my faith is.  It is most important in my life.