Coming off yet another nail-biting game, junior linebacker Alex Kube and the NIU football team look to start a winning streak in hopes of earning a bowl-game bid by the end of the season.
Kube took time to talk with the Northern Star about making the transition from safety to linebacker, what the Huskies need to do more efficiently and his favorite NFL player and team.

Northern Star: As a freshman, you were originally a safety but moved to linebacker two seasons ago. How do you think you’ve done in that transition?

Alex Kube: Well, it hasn’t been an easy transition. I think the game is a lot different playing linebacker than safety, but I like it. I think it was good for the skills that I have in terms of a football player and I fit more like a linebacker.

NS: Have you used your instincts from being a defensive back by utilizing them in the second level?

AK: Well yeah, and it helps since I know what’s going on behind me. And not just that, I’m not obviously a big linebacker [Kube is listed at 6 feet tall, 212 pounds] but I use the speed that I have. The coaches like that; they want the linebackers to be able to run.

NS: You guys beat Miami this past weekend in yet another close game: 27-22. What do you think you and your team need to execute to win outright in the rest of your games remaining this season?

AK: I think we need to do what we do. We don’t need to worry about what the other teams do out there. Sometimes we think about what the other team is doing too much. If we can just get the leaders to lead, and get everyone on the same page for four quarters, I think we can be a very good team.

That will come with time, and I think we are getting better as we’re working hard. We just need to play hard for four quarters and we’ll be fine.

NS: How long did you live in Germany?

AK: About five to six years.

NS: You started late playing football, starting in eighth grade. What got you interested in the game?

AK: Well I always would play in recess with my friends. I also played backyard football games and enjoyed watching it when I came to the United States. I ran track, and a former teammate told me to try football and I ended up trying it and ever since then I just never want to not play the game.

NS: Who is your favorite NFL player?

AK: Ray Lewis.

NS: Well that should give me my answer to my next question. You’re very emotional on the field. Do you get that from watching Ray-Ray?

AK: I mean, he is the best, and if you look at a lot of football players, they want to be one the best, so you look to the greatest. He has a lot of emotion; I get that from him and other good players. It’s also a part of who I am.

NS: Any predictions for the rest of the NFL season?

AK: The Ravens will make a major bounce back and start competing for the Super Bowl. And that people will realize the Bears ... I’m just kidding [laughs].

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