The state of Alabama turns out some of the best players in the country every recruiting class. Last year, it was Five-star Cornerback Kool-Aid Mckinstry who was the top player from the state. In 2020, top-40 Inside Linebacker Demouy Kennedy had that honor.
This year, the top spot in Alabama is held by five-star Edge Jeremiah Alexander. Alexander, like Mckinstry and Kennedy the previous years, is committed to the University of Alabama. He faces high expectations of not only being a five-star but also playing for the hometown Crimson Tide.
Alexander is just outside the top ten on the 247sports composite at number 11. He’s also ranked as the best Edge prospect on the composite. On the 247sports ratings, Alexander is the tenth-best prospect and the second-best Edge.
Edge prospects could either be defensive ends or outside linebackers, depending on size and scheme. Alexander is listed at 6’2”, 235 pounds, so he could be either one depending on how he develops. According to 247sports, he finished 2020 with 116 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. Alexander’s high school, Thompson, has won the state championship the last two seasons.
During his junior season, Alexander lined up everywhere at the linebacker position. He possesses great speed and has enough power to get off of blockers. Alexander makes an impact in both the run and pass game. He keeps himself low to mention leverage going up against offensive tackles.
His speed and strength jump off at the second play of his junior highlights. He gets off the ball right as it’s snapped, then convents speed to power and gets to the quarterback before he can do anything. Another play shows Alexander again getting off the snap so quick that the blocker could not touch him at all. He ended up tackling the running back before he got back to the line of scrimmage. On the play after, Alexander ran past a double team and brought the quarterback done for a five-yard loss.
During the State Championship, Alexander made some big plays that helped his team win. On one play, right as the quarterback threw the ball, he put his hands up and knocked it down. On another play, he got the offensive linemen off of him, found the quarterback, and caused a fumble, which was recovered by Thompson.
Alexander is ready to play in college right now. There’s not a lot that he needs to work on once he steps on campus. He does have to build up his strength to compete with the offensive linemen in the SEC. He’ll also need to use his rush moves more often where he does get on the field.
Overall, Alexander is a prospect that has a high ceiling and a high floor. He has All-American potential and should step on the field right away. It won’t be long until fans of college football start learning his name.
