A Q&A with Alex Suber

As a freshman you were a running back, how difficult was it for you to transition from tailback to defensive back?
It was pretty much more of a mental thing. I had to tell myself that I was going to be a defensive back and not a running back as I expected. Physically, it wasn't much of a transition.

You played your first full season last year. How did last year's experience help you become more confident going into this season?
I got a lot more experience last year which I didn't get to have when I was a freshman because of my knee injury. I think last year helped me mature on and off the field and it gave me an opportunity to gain knowledge against all types of offenses.

How did your knee injury in 2005 help change your outlook on your football career?
It didn't affect my play too much. It was more of a mental thing because I realized that football can be taken away from you really quick. I just had to get the injury out of my head and focus on the game itself.

This spring, you earned the most improved strength training cornerback award. How has Coach Russell Patterson's program helped you develop into a stronger athlete this offseason?
His program pretty much helped me everywhere on the field. He told me to keep working hard and I got bigger and stronger by the end of the off-season program. I think Coach Patterson does a really good job in helping mold us into stronger and faster athletes.

Going into this season, injury-free, do you think this season could be your break out year?
I plan to just play the best that I can. I think if I go out there and work like I should, this will be the best season for me so far.

How has cornerbacks coach Antonio Goss's previous coaching experiences help develop you into a better and stronger cornerback?
You always have to respect someone who has been there and done that. I think Coach Goss has not only improved me as an athlete, but he gives me that inside knowledge on what techniques I should use and where they should be used.

You come from a pretty athletic family. How did your brother Allen's experience with the Houston Texans help you as a college athlete?
He had to go through a transition as well. He went from a quarterback in college to a receiver in the pros. The one thing I learned from him was that no matter what situation you are in, you always need to have a strong head on your shoulders.

You're high school, Thomas Jefferson, is nationally known for its success of its athletes. How did your high school's success help you develop into a college athlete?
We call it the University of Jefferson back home because year in and year out you see the best athletes go to colleges all over the country. I think that playing in that type of environment had me prepared more than maybe some other high schools would have.

Florida is a hot bed for football recruiting. Why do you believe Florida has some of the best athletes in the country?
Sports is something we always do starting when we are little kids. There are a lot of high level professional teams in the state of Florida and we all grow up around that which plays a role in our development as well. The weather is great too and that never hurts.

What is your favorite horror movie? The Shining

Name you're most embarrassing high school moment. During one of my high school football games I was running the ball and I ran out of bounds into the sideline and slipped on the track.

What is your favorite seafood dish? Catfish, shrimp, and crab legs.

Sweet tea or coke? Sweet Tea.

Name your favorite professional athlete. My brother.

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