Blue Raider Spotlight: Alan Gendreau

Looking to repeat last season's successful run to the postseason, junior MTSU placekicker Alan Gendreau hopes to bring a consistent level of dependability to the Blue Raiders' special teams unit every game.

Last season, Gendreau set school records for field goals made with 18, total points for a kicker with 104 points and consecutive-made field goals with 12 in a row.  

Already recognized as one of the country's best kickers, Gendreau knows there is little time to be complacent.  As he enters his junior year, Gendreau looks to continue his climb up the MTSU record books and help his team every time he takes the field.

The specialist sat down with Sidelines to share his thoughts on the upcoming season.

What are your goals heading into this season?

As a team, our goal is always the same.  We want to win the conference and make a bowl game.  Individually, I want to be perfect on all my kicks, and I want to get at least five touchbacks on kickoffs.

Looking back on last season's success, what stands out to you the most?

I think just how we came together as a team, especially during the seven-game win streak. Then obviously the bowl game. It was a lot of fun.  

What has been the most memorable moment playing here at MTSU?

Definitely the game against Maryland last year, when I hit the game-winning field goal. I missed an extra point earlier in the game and that was partially why the game was so close to begin with. I really wanted to go out there and redeem myself.  I went from feeling awful the whole game to feeling on top of the world.

What are the biggest challenges of being a student athlete?

I think just finding the balance between school and football.  You've got to be on top of your grades at all times but still keep up with your game.

What misconceptions do you think people have about football players?

That we are all stupid. And everyone thinks kickers are different than other football players.

What do you do when you're not playing football?

I like to do what everyone else likes to do.  I listen to a lot of music.  I'm friends with a lot of other athletes here, so we like to hang out. And I always enjoy going home to Florida to see my family.

What are your plans after you graduate?

Well I want to take a shot at the NFL but if that doesn't work out, I'm going to fall back on my [bachelor's] degree and hopefully work for a record label in Nashville or Atlanta.