Now playing for the XFL's Arlington Renegades, former Texas A&M linebacker joined TexAgs Radio on Wednesday to discuss his football career and his next move with the XFL. Alaka also gives his player's perspective on the 2022 season and the Aggies' linebacker play.
Key notes from Otaro Alaka interview
- I am not in Arlington yet. I am training in Houston. I will get up there in January. I’m excited.
I left school in December 2018 and spent three years with the Baltimore Ravens. I had bad luck for all three of my years. I’m excited to get it going.
- I had ACL/MCL surgery in 2020, my second year in the league. I’m just starting to feel healthy. If I’m healthy, I feel I can play as well as any linebacker out there.
- I didn't know much about the XFL. From what I've seen lately, there are a lot of motivated people. It looks like it’s going to be a really good setup.
- It’s like having spring practice in college. It’s been a long time since I actually played. I would suit up in the spring, winter or fall. It doesn't matter.
- It’s different for different guys. There have been a lot of juniors that entered the draft that shouldn’t have. Listen to the people around you and not the agents. As a junior, if you are not a first-round guy, there’s no point. Don't be in that “what if'' spot. It’s different with NIL. That gives you more leeway to pick the better option if you are a later round guy.
- I love the game and being around it. I would not rule out coaching. I haven't really pictured myself doing it yet.
- My last game I played in College Station was the most memorable, and that was the seven-overtime game against LSU. I was talking to Tyrel Dodson, and we were spent. We were empty. It kept going back and forth, and that was the craziest game I’ve ever been a part of.
- I think this team will figure it out. It’s not fun to watch when things are shaky. They have too much talent and coaching not to figure out.
- The three-man front, in the league, there are some great defenses that use it where you could not run on them.
- I don't want to harp on the linebackers too much. Those games are stressful to watch. I feel like coaching would be harder if you know how to play the position. If they were doing it wrong, I don't know if I would have such great patience.
