Name: Alex Lyons
College: Rice
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 225

Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?

Alex: Smart, Angry, Fearless.

Q: How are you going to train/prepare this offseason in preparation for the draft or other pro opportunities?

Alex: Train at Athlete Training and Health to get ready for pro day and work with one of my former teammates who’s coaching now to get ready for other opportunities.

Q: If you could compare yourself to one current or former NFL player who would it be and why?

Alex: Zachary Orr who unfortunately just retired from the Baltimore Ravens. I watched and played with him in high school and tried to model my game after his. He’s very instinctual, makes a lot of plays that you really don’t understand how he was in position, but you don’t care because he made the play. I think I’m the same way. I like to prepare a lot mentally so I have a better feel for the game when it’s live. Plus neither one of us were ever the biggest or fastest guys, but we always work our butts off and found ways to get the job done.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?

Alex: When I study film, I look for tendencies and giveaways. Whether it’s something a lineman tends to do in his stance for certain plays like a narrower stance for wide zone so he can push off or if he sits back more for pass plays, or how the QB sets his feet before the snap (only really effective against spread, not so much under center), I like trying to get a feel for the opposing OC’s comfort/go-to plays and when he tends to call them. If you know where the play is going before the ball is snapped, you’re at a huge advantage as a defender, especially as an LB because on runs, the lineman can’t get to you and you’re making a play in the backfield or at the line and on pass plays you’re messing up the timing for the QB and either forcing a sack or getting that coveted INT.

Q: What separates you from other players at your position?

Alex: At this stage everyone’s good. I think what separates me from other players at my position is my understanding of the game and my ability to cover.

Q: What kind of abilities would you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

Alex: The abilities that a team would be getting with me that stand out both on and off the field are my adaptiveness and my ability to think on my feet. I do what I have to do to get the job done. I’ll always find a way.

Q: What is your final pitch/sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?

Alex: If they take a chance on me, they won’t regret it. They’ll be getting a player who’s coachable, a great teammate, a dog, an ultimate competitor, and a flat out sore loser. A player that will do everything in his power to make an impact on his team to make sure they win, no matter what it is.