OU 2010 Player to Watch, Day 15: Frank Alexander

Oklahoma Sports brings you the final day in a 15-part series detailing what players to keep an eye on next season.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:32 am

By: News On 6

OU 2010 Player to Watch, Day 15: Frank Alexander

Originally Published: Mar 1, 2010 2:13 PM CDT

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-OSU Player to Watch, Day 15: Brandon Weeden
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Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

DE Frank Alexander

Background:

Alexander first made headlines with the Sooners for the wrong reasons. He was stabbed outside a Norman nightclub only hours after playing his first game as a Sooner, but made a remarkable recovery and was able to contribute that season. He finished his redshirt freshman season with 21 tackles. Last year, he recorded 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Why he’s on the list:

Fans are likely already familiar with Alexander, but so far he has only played as part of a rotation with Auston English. English has now graduated, and Alexander will become the full-time starter. He is very quick and has all the tools to become an elite pass rusher. With Jeremy Beal on the other side of the line, the Sooners have the potential for one of the best pass-rushing duos in the country.

Best-case scenario:

Alexander becomes a tenacious pass rusher and his quick first step makes it very difficult for teams to block him with one lineman. His ability to get into the backfield quickly also prevents quarterbacks from using long drop backs, which keeps receivers from having time to run deep routes. Because of his ability to harass the quarterback, the Sooners do not have to use as many blitzes. That allows OU’s athletic group of linebackers to drop back in zones, making it much more difficult for offenses to find open throwing lanes.

Worst-case scenario:

Alexander cannot keep his intensity high from start to finish and begins to take some plays off. His inconsistent play allows offenses to focus on blocking Jeremy Beal, and opposing quarterbacks frequently end up with lots of time to throw. That is a recipe for disaster, especially with the pass-happy offenses in the Big 12.

My take:

I expect a monster year from Alexander. Fans have already gotten a chance to see his potential over the past seasons, and he could become downright scary if he shows more progression this season. He is big and quick with strong hands, which is the perfect combination for a pass-rushing defensive end.

With Alexander on one side and Beal on the other, offenses will be forced to use a tight end or running back to help block. That will take away potential throwing targets, making it easier for OU’s talented secondary to shut down the outside receivers. If Alexander lives up to his potential and Jamarkus McFarland emerges as a legitimate force at defensive tackle, the Sooners could once again have one of the best defensive lines in the nation.

I’m even going to go out on a limb and make a statistical prediction for Alexander: 55 tackles, 10 sacks and three forced fumbles.

Other OU players to watch (click on the names below to read the full stories)
Day 1: WR Jaz Reynolds
Day 2: OL Stephen Good
Day 3: S Sam Proctor
Day 4: CB Jonathan Nelson
Day 5: OL Tyler Evans
Day 6: RB Jermie Calhoun
Day 7: QB Drew Allen
Day 8: DT Jamarkus McFarland
Day 9: OL Ben Habern
Day 10: LB Tom Wort
Day 11: WR Dejuan Miller
Day 12: OL Donald Stephenson
Day 13: CB Demotre Hurst
Day 14: LB Ronnell Lewis