Four years ago, Derrick Alexander walked the busy paths of the Diag, checked his e-mail in the Fishbowl, and sat in the lonely floors of the Undergraduate Library cramming for his midterms.
On Saturday afternoons during the fall, he'd put on his No. 1 Michigan jersey and catch passes from a guy named Elvis.
Times have changed, and so has the number on Alexander's jersey.
He no longer strolls the Diag, nor eats in the Union. He no longer dresses in maize and blue on game days, and game days are no longer on Saturday. And now he's catching passes from a guy named Vinny.
Not everyone can fulfill their dreams, but former Wolverine Derrick Alexander has fulfilled his.
Chosen 29th overall in the 1994 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns, Alexander is in his third season with the organization, which is now the Baltimore Ravens.
He leads the team in receptions and, as quarterback Vinny Testaverde's main receiving target, he is tied for the team lead in touchdowns.
Alexander recently talked with the Daily's Jordan Field about his career at Michigan, his experience in Cleveland and the team's move to Baltimore.
Daily: Did you have a chance to watch the Michigan victory over Colorado?
Alexander: I got a chance to catch the second half. They looked like, from what I saw, that the team was playing pretty good.
D: Have you been back to Ann Arbor to see a game since you graduated?
A: I went back once. I didn't get a chance last year, but the year before, I came in for a game. I've tried to keep up with the team since I've been gone.
D: What was it like standing on the sideline rather than playing?
A: It felt kind of funny. It actually was a big game. We played Michigan State. It felt kind of weird to sit on the sideline watching, and I wasn't playing.
D: Have you been able to maintain friendships with your former teammates at Michigan?
A: Yes. We have Leroy (Hoard) and Steve (Everitt) here in Baltimore. And I keep in touch with Ricky Powers and Alfie Birch. Those are some of the guys I've kept in touch with.
D: What does it feel like playing against a former teammate, such as Elvis Grbac or Tyrone Wheatley?
A: You know it's kind of funny. I've played with those guys for so long, and to play against them now, it feels pretty weird. I always try to beat those guys.
D: What would you say are the biggest differences between playing football in college and playing at the professional level?
A: Well, it's harder here. The competition is harder. There are a lot of differences. I guess it's hard for college athletes because you have to work hard and get your school work done. But here, it's your job. It's your way of making a living. If you aren't doing something right, or the coach isn't happy with you, that's it, you're gone. All of a sudden you aren't doing anything.
D: How would you compare the relationships between teammates on a collegiate level compared to those between teammates at the professional level?
A: Well, in college, I mean, you see everyone everyday, at practice, or maybe you have a class with them. Here it's different. It's your job to play football. You see everyone everyday at practice, but after that, that's it, everyone goes home. And usually you don't talk to the other guys, or call them on the phone. Except for maybe a few guys, we don't talk much outside of the football field, at least not as much as you would in college.
D: Looking back on your career at Michigan, is there a game or moment that sticks out in your mind as your best memory in maize and blue?
A: I have many of them. A 90-yard touchdown, four touchdowns in one game against Minnesota, a punt return for a TD against Penn State. Games against Michigan State were pretty big, too. Those are some of them.
D: How has the transition been for you, moving from Cleveland to Baltimore?
A: It's been alright. I had moved in and was just getting used to Cleveland. I was just getting settled in really, and all of a sudden I had to move. It's a new city for me and everything is new.
D: The Cleveland fans have been very vocal about their disappointment when Art Modell announced the team's move to Baltimore. Do you think Modell treated the Browns' fans fairly, and do you think their anger towards him was justified?
A: It's hard to say either way. He made the decision to move the team, and of course everyone was angry at him. I can't even imagine what would happen if the Lions were moved out of Detroit. It would be crazy. I grew up in Detroit, and if they moved, well, I can see how the Cleveland fans were so angry.
D: At the end of the final game in Cleveland last year, the team walked around the stadium shaking fans' hands and waving to the crowd as you received a standing ovation. What did that feel like?
A: Well, it felt kind of good, knowing we were so loved and appreciated. I guess I didn't really realize we were moving until we actually came here. It was like I felt I'd be back to Cleveland, but obviously we are here in Baltimore now.
D: Last season you had 15 receptions for 216 yards. This season after only three games you are leading the team with 14 receptions and have 162 yards. Is there anything that you can attribute your improved play to?
A: Not really. Last year I wasn't getting along with the coaches so well, and then I ended up getting hurt, and missed four or five games. This year I'm back as a starter, and I'd say I have more confidence.
D: Earlier this season, you lost your brother Garrett to lung failure. How has that affected your life and/or your game?
A: Well, it's tough. I took some time off, and it's something that my family and I have to deal with. I don't think it really is affecting my playing. It's just on my mind a lot.
D: You mentioned that you grew up in Detroit. Would you like to come home and play for the Lions one day?
A: Yes, but it might be expensive to buy all those tickets for my family for every game. But I don't know, I wouldn't mind. I guess I'd be pretty comfortable. I'd know the city and be close to home. Actually, Cleveland was a nice spot for me, it wasn't too far from home. I still watch the Lions, and root for them. I guess they'll always be my home team.
D: Have you set any goals for your future with the Ravens?
A: Well, I haven't really set any goals in particular. I want to do the best for myself, which would mean eventually making the Pro Bowl. And do the best for my team, which would be to win the Super Bowl.
D: I'm sure you are familiar with Bo Schembechler's promise that "those who stay will be champions." This year could be the first time since 1975 that a senior class won't have made a trip to Pasadena. What do you think this year's team's chances are to win the Big Ten?
A: From the way they've been playing, they looked pretty good. I think they're going to do well, but they have some tough games against Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State. They need to play good football against those teams. They've just got to win a few tough games and they can do it. Michigan State will be a pretty big game, because no matter how we are playing, it's such a big rivalry. We can look like the best team or the worst team in the conference. We just have to be up for the challenge.
