Kwon Alexander Announcement Video: Watch 4-Star OLB Pick LSU

Despite his roots being in Oxford, Ala., ESPNU 150 No. 29 overall player and No. 3 linebacker Kwon Alexander made the surprising decision to commit to the LSU Tigers rather than in-state schools Alabama and Auburn.

Before making the decision on ESPNU, Alexander removed his pullover to reveal a purple bow tie and suspenders. That was a dead giveaway that the explosive linebacker intends to wear the LSU purple and gold next season and beyond.

Reeling in the 6'2", 215-lb. Alabama product has to be considered a major win for the Tigers as they were able to go into enemy territory and cherry pick a major recruit. Alexander certainly couldn't have gone wrong with either LSU or Alabama as both figure to have dominant defenses next season, much like they did in 2011.

Alexander is smallish in terms of weight, but he can probably add a few more pounds onto his 6'2" frame. He won't want to bulk up too much, though, as his current body type allows him to fly around the field and make plays at a high rate of speed.

Fast, athletic linebackers are becoming increasingly popular in college football, particularly in the SEC. There is no question that the SEC is the most athletic conference in football, so Alexander will be big for LSU in terms of chasing down the dynamic playmakers they are sure to play against.

Alexander said that he woke up one day two weeks prior to making the announcement and knew what he wanted to do. Clearly LSU head coach Les Miles had a big impact on Alexander's decision because he was likely getting some pressure from the locals to play at either Alabama or Auburn.

Neither Alabama nor Auburn subscribe to the theory of staying within their own borders when it comes to recruiting, so what LSU did was fair game. It will be interesting to see if Alexander's decision advances an already-heated rivalry between LSU and Alabama in any way.

If it does, then Alexander will certainly be in the middle of it all, most likely making big plays for the Tigers' defense.