NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Alex Goettl, LB – Minnesota State University, Mankato
3.93 GPA - Biomedical Sciences
Head Coach: Todd Hoffner | Athletics Director: Kevin Buisman
Faculty Athletics Representatives: Jeffrey Pribyl
A two-year team captain for the No. 3-ranked team in Division II, Alex Goettl boasts a near-perfect GPA. The standout linebacker deservedly becomes the Mavericks’ first NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
On track to graduate this December, the Mankato, Minnesota, native boasts a 3.93 GPA in biomedical sciences. A 2018 First Team Academic All-American and Academic All-District selection, Goettl has twice earned Academic All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference recognition.
This season, Goettl has recorded 20 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and two fumble recoveries while leading the undefeated Mavericks (8-0) to the No. 3 ranking in Division II. The two-year captain guides a unit that leads Division II in scoring defense, allowing just 8.8 points per game. The Mavericks also lead the NSIC and rank fourth in D-II in rushing defense (60.8 yards per game) and rank second in the conference and D-II in total defense (219.1 yards per game).
A four-year letterman, Goettl earned first team all-conference and second team all-super region honors after leading Minnesota State with 87 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss in 2018. He has guided the Mavericks to back-to-back conference titles in 2017 and 2018 and consecutive Division II Playoff appearances, including a trip to the semifinals in 2018. Goettl’s top games in 2018 included a career-high 11-tackle performance against Winona State (MN) and a game against St. Cloud State (MN) where he returned a fumble for a touchdown, earning NSIC Defensive Player of the Week. He currently boasts 171 career tackles, including 19 for loss and 6.5 sacks.
A member of the Minnesota State football steering committee, Goettl was selected to wear the team’s No. 49 “Jersey of Character.” He is a certified nursing assistant at Oak Terrace assisted living center and has volunteered with park clean-ups, Climb to Feed, Echo food shelf and elementary school science fair judging.
