NFL scouts turn attention to SJU tight end Alex Larson

St. John’s University has been home to some of the best college football players in the state of Minnesota for countless years, and senior tight end Alex Larson is no different.

Through six games this season, Larson has picked up right where he left off in the 2021 season after earning All-American Honors. So far, Larson leads the team in receiving touchdowns while also racking up an impressive 456 receiving yards. Needless to say, Larson has played a pivotal role in leading the Johnnies to a 5-1 record and top 10 national ranking. Larson is a Minnesota native and an alum of East Ridge High School in Woodbury, Minn. In high school Larson played baseball and basketball. He only started playing football his senior year.

“I felt burnt out and needed to play something else. I loved the game of football and wanted to keep playing at the next level,” Larson said.

Not only are many Johnnie fans glad that he continued his passion for the game, but so are his teammates.

“He’s a fantastic teammate. He’s the type of guy that’s always bringing energy on and off the field,” junior wide receiver Jimmy Buck said. “Another quality that makes him so great is that he’s determined to be the best he can be, which rubs off on other players around him.”

On top of finishing last season with All-American Honors, Larson was once again named a First Team All-American in the preseason this fall.

“He is a very tough matchup for most teams due to his height and play-making ability,” head coach Gary Fasching said. “We ask a lot of him… he is a great blocker along with being a top receiver. He has worked extremely hard to make himself a better player. Each year he has come back stronger and faster.”

Larson’s career has held a fiar amount of highlights.

“One of my favorite moments was winning the MIAC championship last year and catching the game-winner of that,” Larson said.

Larson said that he intends to return to St. John’s for a fifth season and aspires to continue playing football after college. This year, Larson found his name on numerous websites and journals as a class of 2023 NFL tight end prospect.

“It’s a cool feeling, from a guy who only played one year of football in high school, to talking to NFL teams a couple years later is pretty cool,” Larson said. “My goal is definitely to play in the NFL. The journey will have its ups and downs, but I will put in the work to try to achieve my dreams.”

Larson has a few pre-game rituals he participates in to help him be successful. Each night before a game, Larson meditates and does yoga. He also said that each day begins with yoga and a cold shower. Larson said he turns to former teammates for inspiration.

“Someone that I really look up to is [2020 graduate] Ben Bartch. He’s someone that his work ethic got him where he is today, and I aspire to have the character and approach that Bartch had as a person and a football player,” Larson said.

Larson not only makes an impact on the field, but also in the locker room and with those around him.

“Alex is one of our team leaders. He leads by example, and one of the things that I appreciate about him is his positive attitude,” Fasching said. “Alex always has a smile on his face, has a big heart and is always willing to help others out.”

Larson’s advice to future Johnnies is to enjoy your time here.

“St. John’s is a special place, and the friends and connections you make here will last a lifetime. Your time here will fly by, so make the most out of it,” Larson said.

Larson continues to make an impact in SJU athletics on and off the field, and he will be back in action next week, playing against Gustavus in Collegeville on Oct. 22 at 1 p.m.