IOWA CITY, Iowa – Often times position changes take place when the Iowa Football staff sees it as advantageous for the team and player. Sometimes, however, the student-athlete comes up with the idea.

That was the case with Alex Mota. The third-year sophomore from Marion (IA) High approached defensive coordinator/secondary coach Phil Parker about switching to his side of the ball from receiver. Mota announced that the change was happening in early April.

“I just talked to coach Parker, (receivers) coach (Jon) Budmayr and then coach (Kirk) Ferentz. They all gave their approval,” Mota said.

It was Mota’s second attempt at changing spots.

“I tried to switch, I think, two years ago or whatever. They said let it play out, see how everything goes,” Mota said.

The idea to try again came somewhat out of frustration. He’d broken his wrist on scout team and was limited at receiver.

“I had a club on, couldn’t catch a ball. Switching to DB, you can backpedal and stuff. You don’t really need to catch a ball,” he said.

Mota quickly took to his new position. Parker praised his progress at media day earlier this month and had the sophomore working with the second team at Kids Day a few weeks ago.

“It’s still taking time right now. I’ve just got to improve every day. I played linebacker in high school, so I wasn’t used to backpedaling a lot; just getting more comfortable with my technique and what I can do,” he said.

The switch from receiver to the secondary hasn’t been a common one at Iowa. Devonte Young and Miguel Merrick come to mind. Mota’s move is made easier by having experienced defensive backs by his side.

“Everyone in the DB room has taken me in as one of their own. So, I’m appreciative of that,” he said.

Mota has identified the elements required for playing cornerback successfully. He focused on the all-important backpedal and continued incorporating other skills.

“It’s definitely your technique; your three-step, reading the QB, getting on your man, just using your eyes a lot more. Everything comes together,” he said.

Position versatility has been a part of Mota’s game for years. He lined up at linebacker, quarterback and receiver in high school. Those experiences have been helping him with his current transition.

“I know what I can do with my athleticism. If I get beat, I have recovery speed. I can get there, and just being able to change direction really fast. It helps a lot,” he said.

It allowed Mota to stand out in football, basketball and track in high school. He played baseball for a few years, too. In addition to the Hawkeyes, Iowa State, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Kansas State reportedly offered him scholarships on the gridiron.

Now focused on one sport, Mota has developed his 6-foot frame. He was listed at 180 pounds before his true freshman season of 2023. The current roster has him at 193.

“I eat a lot, three to six times a day. In high school, I was skinny, scrawny,” he said.

Time will tell if Mota can crack the cornerback rotation in 2025. Opportunities are available. No matter what, his added strength have him competing for special teams’ assignments. His goal is to be on all four units.

“It’s where you start in this program. You start on the special teams, just buying in and then you’re going to keep working your way up that ladder,” he said.

Mota sees parallels between developing as a football player and growing off of the field. There are social and academic adjustments going from high school to college no matter how close your high school is to campus.

“I’ve matured, for sure. All these older guys tell you what to do, what not to do, all that, common sense. Maturing has helped a lot,” he said.

That’s important for academic focus. He’s studying Business and Sports and Recreation. There’s a tentative plan.

“I like electricity. So maybe being an electrician, starting my own business,” he said.

First, an opportunity to see where football can take him. The path has changed, but the goal is the same.