After what seemed to be a quieter period than expected and missing out on some key targets such as Van Jefferson, the coaching staff struck gold on Friday when wide receiver A.J. Alexander gave his verbal commitment to join the "Elite '15."
The nation's No. 53 wide receiver prospect, according to the 247Sports composite index, Alexander is a composite three-star and is ranked as the nation's No. 488 prospect in the country. However, the Buckeyes have been recruiting him as an athlete, and he's more likely to line up in the role of H-Back in Columbus. As mentioned earlier, it was the opportunities on and off the field at Ohio State that made it so attractive.
"They give me a good opportunity to play at the next level," Alexander told Eleven Warriors."It is also a good chance off the field."
The Alexander File
- Class 2015
- Position WR
- Size 6-4/220
- School Lake Braddock (Burke, VA)
- Composite Rank ★★★ No. 53 (WR)
Alexander chose Ohio State over Nebraska and Wisconsin, but many felt it was coming down to the Buckeyes and the Badgers in the final days. Many believed he was going to Wisconsin, but a late push by Ohio State made the difference. He also held offers from the likes of Boston College, Illinois, Indiana, and Miami.
Rumors surrounding Alexander's recruitment had him all but penned it for the Badgers of Wisconsin, but the Buckeyes' coaches laid-back, pressure-free approach helped landed the Lake Braddock star. Now the second potential tight end in the 2015 class, the Buckeyes landed two versatile,unique athletes to fill a position they considered a big need coming into the season.
After earning an offer in May, Alexander came to Friday Night Lights to visit. Now committed, he will visit Ohio State for the second time on Sept. 27 when the Buckeyes host Cincinnati. It will give him a chance to recruit and meet some of the other recruits again for the first time as a part of his recruiting class.
Alexander plays wide receiver for Lake Braddock High School, where last season he caught 41 passes for 650 yards and 7 touchdowns. The team went 12-1, and ended the season with a loss in the state tournament.
