COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Alex Sezer Jr., a defensive back from Orange, Texas, was the heart and soul of the Texas A&M football team and he was named the Aggie Heart Award winner, the highest honor for a Texas A&M senior football player. The award was presented at the annual Texas A&M football banquet held Saturday at the Hall of Champions inside Kyle Field to honor the 2016 Aggie football team and especially the senior class.

The Heart Award is presented to a senior who has completed his eligibility and displays the intangibles such as effort, desire, determination, competitiveness, leadership and courage. The Aggie Heart Award winner is the player who extends himself to the fullest every time he dons his football gear, regardless of the situation, be it in practice or a game. The Heart Award is voted upon by the players of the football team.

“Alex has played with a huge heart and has been a key component of our overall team,” Aggie head football coach Kevin Sumlin said. “As a senior captain, he has led not only by example, but speaks up when necessary. Alex is someone you can always count on. We are very proud he walks the stage next week with his degree. He is very worthy of the Aggie Heart Award.”

At 5-9, 180 pounds, the Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School product has served as a captain each week and has been on every special teams unit. Alex has played in all 12 regular season games on special teams and as a reserve defensive back playing nickel and cornerback. He started in the defensive backfield against New Mexico State. Sezer was also honored as a special teams MVP. He is scheduled to graduate next week with a degree in industrial distribution.