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Alexander’s switch from Nebraska to Youngstown State has gone well
By STEVE WILAJ
YOUNGSTOWN
It was a silly mistake by LeRoy Alexander, but one that led to him eventually heading Youngstown State’s defense.
Last season, the senior safety was a first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference selection when he notched four interceptions and made 67 tackles to help pace a stout Penguins secondary.
Prior to that, though, Alexander was a promising prospect for Nebraska coming off a 2013 redshirt-freshman season in which he played all 13 games for the Cornhuskers.
Then he bought an over-the-counter supplement to aid his training, failed a drug test and was suspended for the entire 2014 season — wrapping his Nebraska career along the same timeline as second-year YSU coach Bo Pelini.
“It was very tough because I was still a young guy,” said Alexander, who failed the drug test because of the supplement containing a banned substance. “I was looking forward to playing redshirt-sophomore year. I was expecting to have a big year.
“But getting suspended humbled me and it was a big learning experience — always ask for help and don’t just do anything on your own.”
Said Pelini: “It was an odd situation. When I left [Nebraska] he decided he wanted to come over here and play in the same system. It worked out well for us.”
Alexander made a seamless transition to YSU last season, taking an interception back 41 yards for a touchdown in Week 1 at Pittsburgh and eventually starting all 11 games.
The Penguins finished ranked fifth in the FCS in passing-efficiency defense, while they were first in passing yards allowed per game (116.7) and completions surrendered (83).
“This group can be the best in the country. Period,” Alexander said of YSU’s defensive backfield, which features five seniors and lost only starting corner Kenneth Durden to graduation. “We want to be No. 1. That’s our ultimate goal and that’s what we work towards every day.”
They’re strong words from the 6-foot, 195-pounder. Then again, he is the secondary’s leader.
“He’s another coach in the meeting room and another coach on the field,” YSU defensive backs coach Richard McNutt said. “He understands the game and understands what we’re trying to accomplish. He’s gonna use that senior leadership to make everything flow smoothly.”
No doubt, Alexander’s YSU career so far has flowed smoothly after a rough patch at Nebraska.
By the way, he’s in the best shape of his career.
“My weight is up to 197 [pounds]. All natural,” he said.
Alexander should be in store for another strong season. No supplements necessary.
“LeRoy is a very good player and he has the ability to be even better,” Pelini said. “I thought he had a really good year last year.
“There’s certain little things that he has to get better at. But he’s physical, athletic, can cover — he can do a lot of things. I expect big things out of him this year.”
PRACTICE TAKEAWAYS
With the first week of spring practice in the books (Friday’s and Saturday’s sessions coming in pads), Pelini said the Penguins are “way ahead of where we were a year ago” before adding: “You see guys revert back to some bad habits when all of a sudden things start moving and you start playing down and distance.
“It’s all a process and I’m seeing some progress. But we’re gonna need all 15 [practices]. All we’re trying to do is establish a foundation for this team heading into the summer.”
Offensive lineman Matt Bell and Charles Zaborsky, who both saw significant action for YSU in 2015, are no longer with the team. Both walked away due to injuries.
“I respect those guys for that decision,” Pelini said.
While YSU’s top two halfbacks, Martin Ruiz and Jody Webb (both seniors), have looked sharp, running backs Tevin McCaster (sophomore), Ryan Moore (sophomore) and Sidney Sandidge (junior) have shown flashes. Sandidge, who’s taller at 6-foot-2, broke a 20-yard TD run in Saturday’s final 11-on-11 session, while Moore, a bruiser, had a solid day as well.
Senior standout defensive end Derek Rivers, a third-team All-America selection by STATS in 2015 and already YSU’s career sack leader with 26, has been his usual dominant self. He flattened quarterback Ricky Davis for a sack with ease in 11-on-11 drills.