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University of Minnesota Athletics
Starks Balances Life On and Off Field
9/21/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Win a Big Ten Championship and get your degree.
You can ask any University of Minnesota football player what their goals are and that is the answer you will get. Senior Alexander Starks takes those goals seriously and has done an admirable job of balancing football, academics and professional development throughout his career.
This summer, he was preparing for his senior season coming off an ACL injury and he was also interning on a sales team with Procter and Gamble.
"That was a real challenge both physically and mentally, but it was a very successful summer," Starks said.
Successful is an understatement.
Starks fully recovered from his injury and is playing on the kickoff unit this year, which is his first game action as a Golden Gopher. When his internship ended, he was offered a full-time position after he graduates.
That success would not surprise anybody who knows Starks. From the time he stepped foot on campus he has put in the time and work to get to where he is now. He was not able to join the team his first fall but stayed positive, and made sure he stayed in shape with his own personal workouts. When spring rolled around he was able to walk on and join the team.
"It was very rewarding to put the pads on in the spring and be a Gopher," Starks said.
Getting to that point was a lifetime goal for Starks. He grew up watching the Gophers with his dad, who is a familiar name in Minnesota.
Kevin Starks lettered in football at Minnesota from 1983-85 and was drafted at tight end by the Atlanta Falcons in 1986. He spent two years in the NFL, which included one on the active roster with the Buffalo Bills. He was a big reason why Alex Starks decided to come to Minnesota.
"I was very excited about being a legacy and contributing to the program," Starks said.
Four years since Starks made his dream a reality, he is now one of the oldest guys on the team and is a leader among the defensive backs. Only Damarius Travis has been around the unit as long as Starks. Together they make sure to keep the same family feel that they were introduced to as freshmen.
"We are a very tight, close knit group," Starks said. "It has been like that since I have been here. I love those guys. They are really like brothers. I know you hear that a lot from the outside but when you are in that brotherhood, you really feel it."
Being close also gives them the ability to hold each other accountable. With a young group of defensive backs, Starks said he made it his duty to lead by example to show what is expected.
"Just showing them the work ethic that you have to put in to play at this level and on this team," he said. "Our group plays at a high level whether that's on special teams or defense."
Travis echoed those thoughts and said Starks never stops working.
"Even if we have an off day he is still in the weight room lifting," said Travis, who is a senior captain for the Gophers. "He is out here on Saturdays and Sundays in the offseason. I would come to the facility on the weekend and he would already he there."
After everything he invested to the program Starks finally got to experience stepping out onto the field at TCF Bank Stadium for a game when the Gophers opened the season against Oregon State this year. There was no hiding the smile that crept onto his face when reflecting on the moment.
"It was unbelievable," he said. "To play under the lights, in front of my family and with all my teammates is just a moment I wouldn't trade for anything."
The Plainfield, Ill. native is anticipating a moment just as special when the Gophers travel to Champaign to take on Illinois.
"I have had some people from town text me and say, 'Save me a spot for the Illinois game. I am coming to it and am really excited to see you,'" he said. "I have felt support from my hometown since I have been here and that has been great."
Starks will not have a problem making a career after football, but in the meantime he is soaking up every second he has left in the Maroon and Gold.
"I really want to focus on enjoying this season and what is left of it because I love this game," he said. "From the start, I have said I want to play it for as long as I can and that is what I am going to do."
