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Sure, it’s technically signing day for the class of 2021, but that’s no reason not to bag a commitment from one of the top prospects in next year’s class is it?
I would like to thank God , my family, and all the coaches.For all the things he has blessed me with. I am thankful for the many schools that recruited me throughout this process. I’m a 100% committed to the University of Georgia @maka_difference #GoDawgs# ⚪️⚫️ pic.twitter.com/dnf6LnYaxD
— THE BIG BEAR (@BearAlexander_) February 3, 2021
Georgia picked up a verbal pledge this morning from jumbo Texas defender Keithian “Big Bear” Alexander, who chose the ‘Dawgs over offers from the likes of Alabama, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, LSU, Ohio State, and Southern Cal.
The 6’3, 325 pound junior missed the first part of this season under Texas’s high school transfer rules, but came back to help his team polish off an undefeated state championship season. He’s currently rated the #9 defensive tackle in the nation and the #22 player in the state of Texas by 247Sports, largely based on limited tape and pure physical potential.
Alexander hasn’t player a ton of football and it shows on film. He’s not as polished at this point as some other defensive tackle prospects, and while he’s got a good natural punch doesn’t yet have the hand technique he’ll need to shed blockers in the SEC. He does have what I’d label above-average quickness for a prospect of his size. I think that will only improve as he matures physically and gets additional speed/explosiveness training.
He’s got a fairly low center of gravity, and at times appeared immovable even by good blockers in Texas 5A football.
But what has me excited is that Alexander already has the size to play in the SEC, and has the frame to carry that weight better. He’s not as tall or long as Jordan Davis, but it’s not hard to imagine Alexander ending up in the 6’4, 330 range playing over the center or guard. His ceiling is probably a slightly more compact Davis, able to hold the point of attack but also agile enough to split gaps in pass rush.
Alexander joins Tift County four star prospect Tyre West in giving the Red and Black two solid replacements on a defensive line that will need contributors in 2022. Georgia stands to lose Davis, sixth year senior Julian Rochester, and senior Devonte Wyatt after this season, and while there’s talent in the remaining group, depth on the defensive front is absolutely critical. You’ll never catch me not wanting the commitment of a stud defensive lineman.
Go ‘Dawgs!