Alex Raynor

Cornerback – Senior

Denison University

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

 

Alex Raynor:  I am 6’3″, 208 lbs and 4.51 forty-yard dash.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where were you training for the NFL Draft?

 

Alex Raynor:  I was training at Advanced Athletic Development in Stamford, CT while I was home over Christmas break, but now I am back at school training in Ohio.  The program is still the same as it was when I was home, just at a different location.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Were you satisfied with your overall Pro Day results?

 

Alex Raynor:  I have been very satisfied with my Pro Day results.  I ran a 4.51 forty-yard dash, 4.06 short shuttle, 6.91 L-Cone drill, 37″ vertical jump, and a 10’5″ broad jump.  I feel that for my size especially, these are impressive numbers.

 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your recent Globe Bowl experience?

 

Alex Raynor:  The Globe Bowl was a very fun experience.  I didn’t participate in the game itself, just the National Pro Day aspect of it.  The weather wasn’t great, but the competition and camaraderie of the participants made the experience worth it.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

 

Alex Raynor:  Coming out of high school, I was very much overlooked.  This was partly my fault as I was very inexperienced and late to the recruiting process.  Many division III programs showed interest such as Salve Regina, Alfred University, and Washington & Lee.  Fordham was the Division I school I talked fairly serious with.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Denison University?

 

Alex Raynor:  I chose Denison because I believed in the coaches and the progress of the program.  The main pull for me, however, was the great group of guys I met on my overnight visit.  I felt right at home with the players and could easily see them becoming some of my best friends, as they have.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

 

Alex Raynor:  I believe my overall career has been a career of continuous growth every single season.  I went into every offseason with the mentality that I wanted to be a completely different player the next season, better in every way possible.  I believe my stats and game film will show exactly that.  I see vast improvement in my play from freshman to senior year, and I am certain that this trend will continue at the next level as well.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Alex Raynor:  My strengths are quite obvious when looking at my size.  It is rare to find a corner that is 6’3″ and almost 210 lbs.  I have exceptionally long arms that allow me to play the ball as well if not better than the receiver.  I consider myself to be an extremely physical corner and I love lining up right on the line so I can give a strong jam.  Fade balls are nearly an impossible route to throw on me.  Even if a receiver has a step on me, my arms are long enough to disrupt a perfect pass.  I am also very disruptive in the run game.  Receivers do not want to block me, and for good reason.  I take tremendous pride in my ability to tackle, and I love nothing more than coming up and setting a strong edge.

 

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

 

Alex Raynor:  One area of my game that I can improve on is my ability to plant and redirect.  Being a larger corner, it is sometimes hard to stay low and redirect as fast as a 5’9″ slot receiver may be able to.  I can definitely work on change of direction.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

Alex Raynor:  The highlight of my career was participating in the Tazon de Estrellas All-Star Game in Mexico this past December.  It was an honor to team up with some of the best players in the country, as we took on the Mexican national team.  It was an even greater honor to receive the Defensive MVP award after my pick six, forced fumble, and nine tackle performance.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Alex Raynor:  My favorite team is the NY Giants.  Born and raised in New York, the Giants have been my favorite team ever since I started watching football.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Alex Raynor:  My favorite NFL player is Richard Sherman. I admire his ability to be a true shutdown corner year after year in the NFL.  I see comparisons between him and myself as we are both the same build and have similar 40 times.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a CB?

 

Alex Raynor:  I believe the most important trait for a corner is patience. With the speed of wide receivers today, it is very easy to bite on their first move, and fall behind in the route early.  I work extremely hard on staying patient, so that I only engage the receiver once he has declared a direction.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

 

Alex Raynor:  There are many guys on my team next year that I believe will have a phenomenal season.  In particular I will be watching my quarterback Canaan Gebele as he has been impressive since his first year starting as a freshman.  I truly believe he is the best QB in the conference, and will end the season a First Team All-Conference selection.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced during your career?

 

Alex Raynor:  The best player I faced in my career was WR Joshua Philander out of Hiram College.  He had amazing lateral speed, which made jamming him on the snap very difficult.  He was the greatest challenge I saw, and it was a lot of fun competing against him.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Alex Raynor:  I’d say the thing I enjoy most about football is the test you face each and every time you strap up. It is not only a test against another person or team, but it is also a test against yourself.  Being the overly competitive person that I am, I love to test myself and my abilities against the best competition out there.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

Alex Raynor:  Outside of football, my hobbies include working out, hanging out with friends and family, and chilling with my dogs.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

 

Alex Raynor:  After my football career is over, I see myself going into the sport performance industry.  I have loved seeing my own progress from all the training I have done, and I found a passion in seeing progress in other athletes as they go on their own journey.  I would love to work with individuals and teams to create the better athletes everyday.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Alex Raynour is….

 

Alex Raynor:  A guy that will give 100% effort in everything he does, and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals and dreams.