Donnell Alexander

Defensive Back / Saginaw Valley State University

Christopher Reiss: What are your measurements? (height and weight)

Donnell Alexander: 5’9, 177lbs.

Christopher Reiss: During COVID-19, what have you been doing this offseason to prepare for the upcoming season?

Donnell Alexander: Trying to stay in shape. I have been doing body weight workouts. Our coaches have been sending us body workouts.

Christopher Reiss: When breaking down your film, what should stand out?

Donnell Alexander: My effort, I do not ever give up on any play. I am very good at reading the defense. My coverage skills are one of the best in the league.

Christopher Reiss: Coming out of high school, what schools show interest in you?

Donnell Alexander: I had a bunch of JUCO offers. Michigan Tech, Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, and Saginaw Valley State gave me an offer. It was the best decision for me athletically to go to Saginaw Valley.

Christopher Reiss: In high school, what other positions did you play besides defensive back?

Donnell Alexander: I played wide receiver, but never really saw the field. I also played kick return and punt return. I saw the field more when I made the change to defensive back.

Christopher Reiss: In high school, what other sports did you play besides football?

Donnell Alexander: I played basketball and ran track only my senior year.

Christopher Reiss: What are the expectations for your team for this upcoming season?

Donnell Alexander: We are taking it one day at a time. We are waiting to see what COVID-19 does to our season, but if we play and we will dominate. We want to go to the playoffs and make a run at the conference championship. We all just want to make sure that we are all getting one percent better.

Christopher Reiss: Is there anyone on your team that we should keep our eye out for this season?

Donnell Alexander: DB Marvin White, WR Chad Gailliard, DB Nick Whiteside, and WR Marcus Edmondson.

Christopher Reiss: How would you describe your overall career?

Donnell Alexander: It has been an emotional roller coaster. I had to adapt to the culture. I struggled my freshman year, but after that it started to come to me. I was able to get an opportunity to play. After I bought into the coaching staff and to my team, I went from a good player to a great player. I really enjoyed meeting all my friends and teammates now. If God was not in my life, I do not think I would be here right now either.

Christopher Reiss: What is the highlight of your college football career?

Donnell Alexander: Against Grand Valley State in 2018, I was playing safety. I was limping, I was playing the slot. The receiver was running a slot fade. I was able to get back into position to force a pass break up. I stopped the momentum of the other team.

Christopher Reiss: What are some strengths of your game?

Donnell Alexander: Very skilled technique wise. I have great footwork, I am very coachable and I have fast feet. I really do thank my coaches for all their feedback. I hate losing, I want to win every game. I am very strong mentally. My football IQ.

Christopher Reiss: What are some assets of your game that you are trying to improve on?

Donnell Alexander: My film study, as much as I work with film now. I watch film, but not as much as I should. Getting in and out of breaks better. I just want to become the best defensive back that I can.

Christopher Reiss: What do you enjoy most about football?

Donnell Alexander: What I enjoy most about football are game days. I really do enjoy the brotherhood that I have with my teammates. I love having night games, with thousands of people in the stands cheering me on. I enjoy how football brings everyone together.

Christopher Reiss: What are you majoring in?

Donnell Alexander: Engineering Technology Management degree.

Christopher Reiss: What does life after football look like for you?

Donnell Alexander: If I don’t make it as a football player, I want to be a mechanical engineer at an automotive firm.

Christopher Reiss: What or who motivates you?

Donnell Alexander: My parents, without them I wouldn’t be the man I am today. They really taught me the importance of family and how to manage myself in the real world to become a success. I also want a lot of money when I am older. I do not want that to sound bad. I want my family to be financially stable and not have to work paycheck to paycheck and have to stress out about money. I want to give back to my family.

Christopher Reiss: Is there a player in the NFL that you look up to?

Donnell Alexander: Darius Slay with the Eagles. He did not do much talking. He just played and showed up every day. I want to be like him when I get a chance.

Christopher Reiss: What is your favorite NFL team?

Donnell Alexander: New England Patriots. 

Christopher Reiss: Who is your favorite football player of all-time?

Donnell Alexander: Tom Brady. He is a killer on the field.

Christopher Reiss: What are some hobbies of yours?

Donnell Alexander: I enjoy playing beach volleyball and playing some pickup basketball to stay active.

Christopher Reiss: On game-day, who is your go-to artist?

Donnell Alexander: Gunna.