Kwon Alexander: Who is the 5-Star Linebacker Considering?

An outside linebacker I really, really like for the 2012 class is Kwon Alexander of Oxford (AL). He's already considered a 5-star recruit per Scout.com and will be highly sought after in 2012. Alexander is a versatile defender that can play various spots on the second level and has a high ceiling.

As Alabama is one of the most talent rich states for recruiting, Alexander may be the state's top prospect. Not just restricted to state honors, Alexander is a national level recruit and among the very elite defensive players on my board for 2012. He's coveted by almost every major FBS program and will be among the top recruits in the class.

Let's try to get an update on his recruitment.

Who Is Kwon Alexander?

Alexander is an outside linebacker prospect from Oxford, Alabama and one of the best players for 2012. He's already been selected to play in the 2012 Under Armour All-American game and is considered the top outside linebacker in the country this year.

He's had 100 tackle seasons each of the past two seasons and approached the 150 mark as sophomore. Alabama commit Reggie Ragland, a great player in his own right, has already began trying to sale the Crimson Tide to Alexander, and is on him hard to also head to Tuscaloosa.

Every major program has extended an offer to Alexander minus Texas.

Scouting Report on Alexander

6'2", 212 pounds, Alexander is fantastic outside linebacker now, and will be even better in college. The first thing I notice when watching film on him is his play speed. Alexander has a burst to finish tackles, explode off the ball as a blitzer, and even has some 3-4 outside linebacker-type of pass rush speed to his game.

Next comes his range. I advise you to watch film on him and see Alexander hawking down ball carriers from across the field vs. the run. He can go sideline to sideline with ease and has the most range of any defender in the country. Period. He's athletic enough to cover backs and tightt ends in the passing game and has elite level instincts.

He's got solid strength, but will need to add some bulk and strength to help his shed/escape ability on the college level. I'm not sure if he fits a 3-4 defense as he's too light to play inside and he's not a natural rush end/defensive end hybrid. I think his best position is as an outside 'backer in a 4-3 scheme.

Who Does Alexander Like Right Now?

Alexander has nearly 30 offers from various FBS programs around the country and told Scout.com he plans to have a list of 10 solid favorites during the summer. He's highly sought after and keeps getting a new offer almost daily.

His latest offers include Miami, Ohio State, Clemson and Virginia. He claims all schools are even and really hasn't been able to do much in regards to narrowing a list as Alexander is also a basketball and track star for Oxford (AL).

As I mentioned before, Reggie Ragland is recruiting Alexander and Jameis Winston to Alabama, all three are likely the top players in Alabama for 2012.

Who's Recruiting Him the Hardest Right Now?

Alexander told Scout.com that Oregon, Alabama and Auburn are the schools that are on him the hardest. He also will try to make a trip to USC at some point.

He also has stated he will try to make it out to a few spring games and take some unofficial visits this spring. This will help narrow and whittle his list down to the 10 he wants to be at come summer time.

Expect a fierce recruiting battle by the Iron Bowl teams to land Alexander, as the two dominant programs will go head to head for his services until a decision is made. He will also look at many other schools from across the country as well.

When Can We Expect a Decision?

As with any recruit, we have to realize that these are 17-18 year old kids with a big decision. Some players know automatically while others like to wait. A decision can come at anytime in recruiting.

But Alexader has stated that he likely will wait until National Signing Day 2012 to announce his choice. He is being helped by his father in examining schools and deciding which will be in his best interest to visit.

So all we can do now is wait, which likely will last until NSD 2012. And if that means landing Alexander's signed LOI, then just about every major FBS program will gladly do so.