Coming out of Hazel Crest, 6’1, 165 lb. Marian Catholic defensive back Austin Alexander Austin Alexander 6'0" | 165 lbs | DB Marian Catholic | 2024 State IL has had an eventful recruiting process thus far. A one-time Wisconsin Badgers commit who verbaled to the Badgers on October 31st, Wisco was his only offer at that time, and since the season ended we really started to see some fireworks. Nebraska, USC, Northern Illinois, and Iowa State all offered while he was committed, and on January 25th the junior decommitted from the Badgers and reopened his recruitment. P5 programs definitely took notice, and since then Purdue, Michigan State, homestate Illinois, and Michigan all have offered up. It’s a bountiful list of suitors without a doubt, and you can see why after you check out the junior film. Alexander possesses great coverage skills and technique, with loose hips, clean breaks, ball skills, and the ability to play man coverage out of the slot or on the perimeter. I also love how he fights off blocks and lays strong cut tackles in run support, and is athleticism is on display as a returner and receiver, where he’s lightning quick with the ball in his hands and shows good speed as well. He’s one of those DBs that is always around the football, and his INT and PBU numbers from last fall speak to that fact. Alexander is one of the stickiest DBs in the state and the entire Midwest.

What’s impressive about Mr. Alexander is how he can work as a nickel corner, corner, and safety to make his mark on the defensive side of the ball. Throughout his highlights, he showcases how he’s able to stay on the receiver’s hip pocket when in man coverage and contest the ball to secure interceptions or pass breakups. This is all set up by him being able to get hands-on at the line of scrimmage limiting the receiver’s chances of getting a free release and can then use his fluid flip of his hips to not lose a step when he’s transitioning. This young man can also work as a receiver on the offensive side of the ball where he showcases his foot quicks to get vertical quickly once he secures the catch to either break a long run or get into the endzone for six. The same is seen in the return game as he’s used as a return man. All in all, Mr. Alexander is another top player Marian Catholic has on their roster this season that has done a good job of making his mark so far this season. Currently, he holds no offers but I wouldn’t be surprised if he picks up his first offer once this season is concluded as his technique is one of the best I’ve seen for the class of 24′ in Illinois. Twitter