Tulsa Player to Watch, Day 6: Jake Alexander

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

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:30 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Player to Watch, Day 6: Jake Alexander

Originally Published: Feb 20, 2010 4:12 PM CDT

Also on Oklahoma Sports:
-OSU Player to Watch, Day 6: Johnny Deaton
- OU Player to Watch, Day 6: Jeremy Calhoun

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OL Jake Alexander

Background:

Head coach Todd Graham called Alexander his “No. 1 recruit.” He is also the son of former Tulsa lineman and former Philadelphia Eagles center David Alexander.

Why He’s on the List:

No player in this year’s signing class comes in with a better pedigree than Alexander. He will be expected to contribute right away and should enter fall camp on the two-deep roster.

Best Case Scenario:

A lot is expected from a player that has yet to step foot on campus. The Golden Hurricane gave up the third-most sacks in the nation last season. He has the makeup to make an instant impact and could be a Freshman All-American candidate. However, TU will probably be happy if he becomes a stop-gap solution for the sift that was the offensive line.

Worst Case Scenario:

Physically there is a big difference between 18 and 22-23 year olds. As a true freshman, the Jenks product might not be strong enough to stop opposing linemen that have had four years of college weight training. If that is the case, then the Golden Hurricane’s quarterback will continue to be under duress.

My Take:

Alexander has the training mentally to be more than a contributor to TU. The thing to watch out for is how he will match up against those fifth-year seniors and massive defensive tackles. Other than quarterback, offensive line is one of the positions that rely on experience. But if there is a guy that can make a quick transition from high school to college for the Hurricane, it is Alexander.

Other Tulsa players to watch (click the names below to read the full stories)
Day 1: QB G.J. Kinne
Day 2: WR/KR Damaris Johnson
Day 3: LB Tanner Antle
Day 4: WR Trae Johnson
Day 5: OL Brandon Thomas