Top linebacker recruit Kwon Alexander has signed his letter of intent to play for the Louisiana State Tigers next season, foregoing expectations of committing to the Alabama Crimson Tide or Auburn Tigers.

Alexander—the No. 3 rated OLB by Scout.com—recorded 147 tackles and 17 sacks, six forced fumbles and had three recoveries his junior year for Oxford High School in Alabama. He missed the majority of his senior season with an ACL tear, but should be healthy by spring practice.

Nick Saban was really counting on Alexander to play for the Tide. He has just one commitment from an outside linebacker for the class of 2012 with 4-star recruit Tyler Hayes, and his defense has voids to fill at the position.

Alabama has a power and size-based defense, but will lack speed with the linebacker unit in 2012. Although the 6'2", 210-pounder fits better with LSU's schemes, his agility, play-making skills and ability to make sideline-to-sideline tackles will be something the Crimson Tide would have loved to have had.

Not only will he be utilized on the defensive side of the ball, but the 4-star linebacker is also an outstanding special teams player. He can fly down the field during kickoffs and pursue the returner like it's his day job.

Alexander also had offers from Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee and UCLA.