Rocket Spotlight on Darius Alexander

Darius Alexander is a senior defensive tackle on the football team. A native of Fort Wayne, Ind., Alexander earned his bachelor's degree in communications in May of 2024. He was a third-team All-MAC selection in 2023.

On his family
"I grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I played football, basketball and track. I have two sisters and one brother. My mother's name is Taya. I have a five-year-old son named Messiah. He wants to play football too and tells me that all the time. The last two summers I've had him living with me. He's been a joy. He likes coming to workouts. He comes to all the games. He's loving it. He can't wait till it's his turn to play."

On being a dad
"I love everything about it. I didn't have a dad growing up so my goal is to give him everything I didn't have, and show him the things I wasn't shown. I cherish that opportunity every day. My goal is to be a better dad every day. No one is ever perfect as a father but I feel like that's something you can grow with and get better at every day. It's been hard at times, taking time away from my son to be here. Having him around these last two years has really helped me because I enjoy the ups and downs with him."

On his dog Scoobie
"That's my best friend. That's who I kick with it all day. He's a Bully. He's a year-and-half old and he's getting big on me."

On his football aspirations
"My aspiration is to play in the NFL. I've played some great teammates that are in the NFL now. They motivate me every day to continue my journey to get to where they're at. I try to work as hard as I can every day to get there."

On his favorite NFL team
"I love the Colts. My whole family are Colts fans. I wouldn't mind playing for them."

On the inspiration of former teammate Quinyon Mitchell being a first-round draft choice
"It definitely was an inspiration because I've dreamed of going in the first round myself. So seeing that for him was very exciting. To see that it was possible for someone in the MAC and my own school to go in the first round makes me feel like that's something I could do. But just having an opportunity to play would be a blessing. Most college football players never get that opportunity."

On personal goals
"I want to be First-Team All-MAC this year. I felt like I should have had it last year. I'd also like to have at least 10 sacks and 15 TFLs, and at least 50 tackles. Those are my statistical goals. I'd also like to win Defensive Player of the Year in the MAC."

On the motivation to return to the MAC Championship Game
"I have a huge chip on my shoulder this year. Losing the MAC Championship Game last year is heavy in my heart and heavy in my mind. Losing that game just doesn't feel right. I'm ready to get out there and win another championship."

Players Mentioned

Darius Alexander

Quinyon Mitchell

Footer