Oklahoma State University Athletics
Alex Elkins' Improbable Journey
December 27, 2011 | Cowboy Football
Dec. 27, 2011
Alex Elkins' improbable journey to becoming one of the top playmakers on the Oklahoma State defense is like something out of a Hollywood movie script. Growing up, Elkins dreamed of played college baseball, but an injury derailed those plans. From there, he nearly ended up pursuing becoming a Navy SEAL. But then a series of unique events, from not being allowed to play football as a high school senior to starring for a club rugby team to earning a spot on the football team at Blinn Junior College led him to Stillwater.
And things are working out great for both Elkins and the Cowboys. Entering the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound junior ranks second on the No. 3 Cowboys with 78 tackles from his linebacker spot, and he earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors for the Pokes.
In an OKState.com exclusive interview, Elkins shared the story of his journey and answered several other questions. For the complete story of how Elkins' football career unfolded, watch the video below.
With all the obstacles in your life, is this a dream come true or did you think you'd be in the position you're in now?
AE: You could say it's a dream come true, but at the same time, we're all on a journey and God has different paths for everybody. I feel like He's closed a lot of doors and opened a lot of doors at the same time, and He's put me on the path where I'm supposed to be right now. I'm walking the path I feel like I need to be walking right now. I'm very blessed, and I appreciate the opportunities I've been given. I'm very thankful for my Oklahoma State family, and I'm very thankful for all the people who have helped me along the way. Up to this point, I couldn't be happier with where I'm at right now.
Even as competitive and as athletic as you've always been, does it surprise you how fast you got acclimated to football and how much success you've had in a short amount of time?
AE: Like I said, it's a big jump from little league football, but at the same time, if I sit down and really enjoy something, I'm going to do whatever it takes to be the best I can. I just try to put extra time in off the field and on the field. I don't feel surprised. This is what I wanted to achieve, and I feel like if I didn't achieve this I wouldn't be achieving my ultimate goal, which is to be successful and be a competitor.
How happy are you that your mom was on you to make the trip to the tryout (at Blinn College)?
AE: I'm very happy about that. Now I don't have to pay for my college, which is a blessing. Most importantly, I'm making my mom proud. That alone is enough fulfillment for me to be everything I want to be.
You have one more year at OSU. Do you want to keep playing football after that; is the NFL the dream?
AE: At this point, picking it up this late in the game, I would hate to put it down so early. So I'm gonna do my best. I don't feel like I'm anywhere I need to be, but I'm going to keep going until I get to where I'm supposed to be, whichever path God takes me on.
Talk about the season you've had not only individually but with the team being the most successful in school history.
AE: Honestly, the team is what makes me. Being around a bunch of kids that actually want to win and compete like I do pushes me even farther than what I would if I was by myself. The guys in the locker room, they're always cracking jokes, and we have great chemistry. I've never really been around a group of kids that aren't a part of the same family but really are at the same time. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am. They're helping me develop, and hopefully I'm helping them develop too. I appreciate everything I've been given.
