Ready to Report: Alex Mota

In this edition of the Ready to Report series, we visit with three star wide receiver Alex Mota. The in-state standout discusses what he has been doing since signing day in December. That includes playing basketball and running track for Marion High School.

He also talks about his recruiting process and how Iowa switched from looking at him as a potential defensive back to a wide receiver and how that sealed the deal with his recruitment. We also discuss his relationship with the other recruits and what he is looking forward to in his freshman year.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST INTERVIEW HERE!!

Q: Alex, thanks for joining us.

MOTA: Thanks for having me.

Q: Are you officially graduated?

MOTA: I finished a week ago.

Q: Were you happy to get everything done?

MOTA: Yeah, it’s been less stressful for sure.

Q: You were active in track this spring. Can you talk about that experience and what it was like for you?

MOTA: I was pretty satisfied with how I did because I couldn’t go to about three or four of the meets at the beginning of the year.

Q: What were your races this year that you ran?

MOTA: At state, I ran the 100, 200, 4 x 100.

Q: What was your 100 time?

MOTA: Something like a 10.88.

Q: You played basketball too. What was that like this year?

MOTA: It was fun because our team went on a run again. Unfortunately we lost in the first round at state, but at least we made it to state.

Q: You did different sports at the high school level. Which of those sports are you going to miss the most once you turn all your focus to football?

MOTA: Probably basketball. I liked playing with my friend group, so that’s probably the sport I will miss the most.

Q: Where you a big trash talker on the court?

MOTA: (laugh) Yeah a little bit. I got a couple of technical last year for talking too much.

Q: Did your coach get mad at you about it?

MOTA: Every once in a while, yeah.

Q: When do you realize that you could play at a high level school in college?

MOTA: In my freshmen year, Iowa State came in and talked to my high school coach. Then in my sophomore year they offered me. That’s probably when I realized it.

Q: What is that moment like for you getting the first offer?

MOTA: I was kind of blown away, but at the same time, you have to expect it too. It was awesome for me and it started this journey for me.

Q: When does the University of Iowa come into your life?

MOTA: I think it as the spring of my sophomore year and then in my junior year they offered me and I was really excited when they did.

Q: Did they offer off film or did you have to go to camp to get the offer?

MOTA: I think I had to go to camp and then a few weeks later they offered. I really can’t remember.

Q: When they offered, they were look at you as more of an athlete and really kind of leaning towards you playing defense in the secondary. What was that process like?

MOTA: Yeah, they offered me as a DB/Athlete. Then I had meetings with them when I would go on visits and we would talk about the position I could play and I was still up in the air about it. Then I told them that I wanted to be a receiver and be on the offensive side. They said sure and that’s when I committed.

Q: What made you want to play offense over defense?

MOTA: I thought that they needed more help there. It was my best chance to play.

Q: So it was more about helping the team?

MOTA: Yeah.

Q: Iowa has put a lot of defensive backs into the NFL. Do you think about that when you are making your decision?

MOTA: Yeah I thought about it because they have the best defensive coordinator in the country. I could always move back later.

Q: Wide receiver potentially has openings this year. Have you had any discussions about that with Coach Copeland?

MOTA: He really hasn’t talked to me about anything. All he has really said was that at Iowa all the receivers know all three positions so he said get ready for that.

Q: Not sure if you saw new QB Cade McNamara took a bunch of guys to the west coast and worked out for a week or so. Did you see that and how excited does that make you to work with all those guys?

MOTA: I saw it on Instagram. I am pretty excited. I am excited to work with the caliber of players that those guys are and get better.

Q: You did a little recruiting once you were on board with Iowa. What was it like to bring other guys along with you to Iowa?

MOTA: I was trying to get Asa (Newsom), but he didn’t come. I really didn’t talk to any of the other in-state guys before they committed.

Q: I heard a story that perhaps you made a bet with Asa and said if you won that he would have to commit to Iowa?

MOTA: Yeah at the 100. I said if I won this race that he would have to commit to Iowa. We shook on it and I won the race. Then he goes to Kanas State.

Q: What is your relationship like with some of the in-state guys?

MOTA: Our class is pretty close. We would text with each other and then after our official visit, we got closer and enjoyed spending time in Iowa City.

Q: What sold you on being a Hawkeye? Was it close to home? The culture?

MOTA: I’d have to say it was the culture of the program. I really haven’t been on a winning football team and I want to be a part of that and help them win.

Q: What are your expectations heading into your first year at Iowa?

MOTA: Everyone wants to play in year one. That doesn’t happen for everyone. I just want to be able to learn and do the things that I can do. My goal is to keep growing and see where that gets me.

Q: What is your relationship like with Coach Copeland?

MOTA: We are pretty cool with each other. We will text every once in a while. He is pretty straight forward and direct about what you need to do. That’s all I need is for someone to tell me what to do and then I will go out and do it.

Q: You committed fairly early on, I think in the winter of 2022. Did other schools continue to contact you?

MOTA: All of them pretty much stopped texting me. Iowa State kept texting me and asked if I committed and I said yeah and that was it.

Q: What was that moment like when you committed to Iowa?

MOTA: It was the night that I said I would rather play receiver and he was like, alright, we will put you at receiver and so I committed that next morning.

Q: You guys are reporting on June 11^th. Who is your roommate?

MOTA: Dayton Howard.

Q: Have you developed a friendship with incoming quarterback Marco Lainez?

MOTA: Yeah we have been talking. He is expected to get all the receivers on campus. I can’t wait and he can’t wait either.

Q: Do you know what number you are wearing this year?

MOTA: I have no idea.

Q: Do you have a preference?

MOTA: I would like a single digit, but that is probably unlikely.

Q: You have been to quite a few Iowa football games. You have seen the players coming out of the tunnel to Back in Black. You get to be part of that this year. What’s that going to be like for you?

MOTA: It will be awesome. I will probably be looking up and trying to soak it all in because that’s a dream come true. I will be excited.