Q&A with Minneota QB Alex Pohlen

Ryan Burns

August 1, 2017 @ 12:15 PM

"Going into my fourth year of being a varsity starter, my biggest strengths are my experience and confidence," Minneota quarterback Alex Pohlen said to Northstar Football. "I've started for three years and I've played in 37 football games, accumulating a record of 36-1, including 2 playoff runs that resulted in winning back to back state championships. All of the games I have played in have given me the ability to recognize and react to in game situations quicker than most kids. I also think I have the ability to handle pressure during the games and throughout the season better than most. Being the starting quarterback, obviously you are expected to do great things and be a leader for your team. I don't let the pressure get to me, and I help others not let the pressure get to them either. As far as throwing the football, I think my strength is my accuracy. I have the confidence that I can put the ball anywhere on the field if it needs to happen. Our season last year did not finish the way we were hoping it would. Our goal all summer was to 3-peat as state champions. We lost in the section semi-finals after a poor performance against a very talented Wabasso team." Getting back to state is a huge goal for Pohlen and Minneota. "During the offseason we are lifting weights and having workouts 4-5 times a week," Pohlen explained to Northstar Football. "I have also been playing baseball on our town's legion team. I am working hard to increase distance and velocity on my throw. I have also been working on my speed and agility to make more plays on the ground. As a quarterback it is always important to continue improving, and those are a few things I have been working on to raise my game. As a team, we want to get back to the state tournament and finish on top. My expectations for myself are to put up big numbers, but still stick within the our team's goals. We aren't going to go out and throw the ball 40 times, so I need to be efficient when I do get those chances. I also want try to use my legs a lot more this season and create more offense for the team."