JUPITER – It is easy to admit that Aiden Alexander has been overlooked.
It is also easy to admit that the Jupiter incoming senior linebacker will do what he can to emerge on top this year.
Listed at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds, Alexander plays above his size. His Hudl highlight film backs it up.
As a junior, the linebacker’s best game was in Week 1’s 33-21 victory over Tohopekaliga, when he tallied eight tackles (three tackles for loss), two sacks, and two forced fumbles, one of which went for a touchdown.
“I can honestly say I had a big impact on the defensive side,” said Alexander, who was tied with fellow linebacker and now-Jupiter alum/Wake Forest enrollee Mark Balbis for most tackles in last year’s season opener. “I also had the game-winning special teams stop.”
In 10 games this past season, the Warriors rising star tallied 87 tackles (8 TFL’s), 10 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 pass breakups. He helped his team get to a 6-4 final record, which turned out to be their best campaign in more than 15 years.
“It went very well,” Alexander said of his junior year at Jupiter. “I was a team leader on a primarily senior team, if that says anything. I tried to step up in big roles, and I can honestly say I felt like I succeeded at them.”
Alexander, who will go into his senior year as a four-year starter, is on the radar with a slew of colleges right now. Although it has not resulted in any offers, he expects his situation to change for the better at some point.
“I have interest from some Division II schools,” Alexander said. “But I’m going to put in a stronger effort soon to get some offers.”
Provided that Jupiter actually has a season – the local and statewide trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic will be the ultimate determinant – Alexander envisions taking his overall game to another level in more ways than one.
“My individual goal is to lead the team in tackles and sacks,” said Alexander, who is current ranked as our No. 5 inside linebacker in Palm Beach County. “My team goals are to make it into the playoffs and win the majority of our regular season games. We have the talent and the team to get it done.”
