Edwin Alexander to LSU: Tigers Land 5-Star DT Prospect

Nearly three years before his scheduled graduation date, Edwin Alexander committed to LSU. Six months later, he'd backed out. Now, following the intense recruitment fitting of his status among the nation's best recruits, Alexander is headed to LSU, per James Smith of NOLA.com

While it's been an up-and-down road, most expected Alexander to head to Baton Rouge when he finalized his decision. 247Sports' Crystal Ball rankings at one point had the Tigers with a 100 percent chance of landing the St. Thomas Aquinas product. No other school was even viewed as being close from an interest standpoint.

Alexander initially committed to LSU in November 2013, just days after head coach Les Miles offered him a scholarship. Like many kids in their sophomore year of high school, Alexander had a change of heart and pulled his verbal by April 2014 but did not rule out the Tigers. It felt at the time like he was merely getting his fill of all the recruiting process can offer.

By the end of last year, he'd received offers from Florida State, Texas A&M, Florida and just about every high-profile program in the southern United States. LSU remained a top dog—he went there three times for unofficial visits between July and October—but there was at least some creeping hope he'd change his mind.

Alexander is one of the most complete prospects in the 2016 class. He's already built like an NFL defensive tackle and uses his physical powers to impose his will on opposing offensive linemen. 247Sports' composite rankings have Alexander listed as the No. 13 overall prospect and third-best defensive tackle in his class. Rashan Gary and Derrick Brown are the only tackles ranked higher.

While his commitment is still verbal—and, as he's already proven, changeable—Alexander should bring an instant impact to Baton Rouge. There aren't all that many flaws here. He'll get much better when a collegiate strength and conditioning coach gets with him and better distributes his weight, but he is already a disruptive force against the run who's only going to get better.

If Coach Miles can coax more consistency in the pass rush, there's no reason to believe he won't be playing on Sundays someday.

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Recruit star ratings and rankings via 247Sports, unless otherwise noted.