FAYETTEVILLE — No doubt some older Razorback fans already have a special place in their heart for Owasso, Okla., defensive end Courtre Alexander.
Alexander (6-5, 240) narrowed a list of 12 schools down to Arkansas and Texas - the Razorbacks’ old rival from the Southwest Conference - and decided to spend his time in Fayetteville instead of Austin.
“In the end, Arkansas was just the better place for me and that’s what my decision was all about,” Alexander said. “I think it is a great match for me.”
He arrived on the Arkansas campus on Sunday ready to envelope himself in all things Razorback.
“I am really excited about getting on campus and getting summer workouts started with all the guys from the recruiting class and those that have already been there,” Alexander said. “I’m ready to go all in and get better every day.”
Alexander had 53 tackles with 4.5 sacks, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries for the Class 6A state champions. He ended his senior season at 260 pounds, but is now a much leaner prospect.
“I had a personal trainer that I worked out with Monday, Wednesday and Friday and I also did the workouts that the coaches sent us to get ready,” Alexander said. “I have lost a lot of weight, a lot. I am down to about 240 now.”
Alexander was part of an Owasso squad that ended a 22-year run that had either Jenks or Union winning the title in the state’s largest classification.
“It was a dream come true to get that done,” Alexander said. “We came together as a team, worked hard and pulled it out.”
He wants to bring that same hard-working mentality to this next level.
“I need to work on my speed and my hands to become a better player, but they (the Arkansas coaches) won’t have to worry about me putting in the time,” Alexander said. “I’m going to work to get better every day and help my team get to where it needs to be.
“I want to get bigger and stronger and put myself in the best possible position to play.”