2020 National Scouting Combine Prospect Alex Kocaqi, FB/TE from Western Connecticut State University

2020 National Scouting Combine Prospect Alex Kocaqi, FB/TE from Western Connecticut State University

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Aleksander Kocaqi  | Western Connecticut State University | FB/TE

Twitter: @alekskocaqi | Instagram: @alekskocaqi


Q: Tell us about your college career and what the recruiting process was like. Why did you choose Western Connecticut State University?

A: I played Class S(small) CT football which is a small football state to start with. I only received Division III opportunity and chose WestConn because it best fit my academic and athletic needs. I started out as a Defensive End and transitioned into a Fullback/Tight End as a sophomore where I enhanced my skills on the position and became a two year starter and one of the 3 All MASCAC offensive players on the team last season. 

Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?

A: My biggest accomplishment is making All MASCAC last season, it is tough for the only CT team to get all conference honors in a Massachusetts league, so I was honored other coaches we played against in the MASCAC committee respected and recognized my gameplay as deserving of this honor, it was very valuable to me and the hard work I consistently applied through my season and career.

Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing at West Conn

A: Coach Lago used to always say to me, failure is not an option for a player like you and to find a way. I would resonate that thought very often in the midst of a game where game pace is very fast, it gave me a chip on my shoulder to go head to head with anybody. 

 

A: My major is in Interdisciplinary Studies of Psychology and Wellness Management and when I am retired from football I want to pursue a job in healthcare and personal training. 

Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?

A: Hardest worker in the room. Leads by example. Often doubted never folds, and comes to play in the biggest situations. Team player, does his job, easy guy to talk or vent to and very personable and caring if his teammates, they are brothers. 

Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?

A:  My most memorable was the MASCAC championship game my junior year we got down early to Framingham State which is our rival and the offense was hanging down and moving with a low energy. I got a play call to me and I got open and caught it and ran for 40 yards down the sideline and brought life to the entire stadium and sideline and regal amused the team, it was better than scoring a touchdown for me due to the situation and who we were against.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?

A: My biggest challenge is to just live in the present moment. I often get ahead of myself and want to get it all figured out but life is a game of patience. I manage this by asserting my thoughts and working out at the gym and the field, it helps put me in a peaceful state where I can perform the best and think the clearest.

Q: If you could compare yourself to a pro athlete, who would that be and why?

A: A mix of Kyle Juszczyk 49ers and Patrick Ricard Ravens. I have the size and strength at 6’1 250 and also the catching, running and open field blocking displayed by Juszczyk. 

Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?

A: I show up everyday and put in 100%. I am coach able and do my job, as a selfless player. I care about winning and being a team, it’s an 11 player sport on each side, we all have to do our job to the best of our ability to win. If i’m called on I’ll get my part done every play. My combination is strength, size and speed with my catching ability makes me a swiss army knife.

Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back”/”pay it forward” in your community?

A: In college we partook in Western Day of Service and WestConn football giving back by doing community cleanups and working events. Locally, in Rocky Hill I support the town booster club. 

Q: How are you preparing for the 2020 National Scouting Combine and what are your goals?

A: Everyday I plan my meals around a certain goal currently i’m getting as strong as possible, just recently benched 225 for 31 reps. As time goes on I have been mixing up weight room days and on field days where I do my field drills and sprints as well as catching passes and route running. In the weight room I have a regimented plan to build explosion and endurance. As time closes down to the combine I am limiting my calories and leaving out my body mass to be as dense and athletic as possible.

Q: What would be your ultimate achievement?

A: My ultimate achievement would be to make an NFL roster and to be given the opportunity to assist an organization in meeting their goals of winning a Super Bowl. 

Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?

A: I enjoy working out at the gym, cooking, eating good food, I enjoy playing Madden 20, watching football, basketball, and sports shows such as first game and undisputed. 

Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?

A: My mother, she raised me in poor situations. We migrated to America in 2003, we came here with nothing and watching her work and take classes in college while taking care of me, drives and influences me to fulfill my potential with the opportunity she’s set me up to be in.

Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?

A: I really enjoy eating! I have completed 3 different food challenges in my past. A 9 patty cheeseburger with fries and chips challenge, 4 feet chili cheese dog and fries challenge and a hit wings challenge. The unique trait is really how competitive I am, whether that’s with food or sports!

2024 National Scouting Combine

February 18-22 held at Grand Park Events Center in Westifled, IN. Accepting draft eligible nominations now!
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