Athlete of the Week is an ongoing weekly series.
At a university where nearly every athletic program is nationally relevant, there’s never a shortage of options. There are always electric playmakers to be found.
The Reveille Athlete of the Week is LSU football’s Zy Alexander.
When Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart launched a 35-yard pass into the end zone, LSU fans feared the Rebels were about to extend their lead. The clock was narrowing in the fourth quarter, and the Tigers chance to come back was closing in.
LSU would be down by 11, making it a two-possession game. But senior cornerback Alexander wasn’t going to let that happen.
He snagged the pass intended for wide receiver Cayden Lee to end Ole Miss’ chance to score.
“Zy Alexander was outstanding tonight,” head coach Brian Kelly said after the game. “He won the matchups. He tackled in space.”
In addition to the interception, Alexander had five tackles and a pass breakup against the Rebels. For his exceptional performance on Saturday night, Alexander also received the game ball.
Alexander has been out since Week 4 with a concussion, and his first game back couldn’t have gone better.
He only allowed 27 passing yards when targeted 10 times, which isn’t an easy feat against a strong quarterback like Dart.
“I was just excited to be back out on the field,” Alexander said. “I’ve been missing a couple of games in and out, but I’ve been rehabbing. I’ve been getting treatments, so I’m feeling good now.”
Alexander is in his second season with LSU after transferring from Southeastern Louisiana. Last season, he made great strides for the Tiger defense at the cornerback position, but tore his ACL in Week 8 against Army.
While his time was limited in 2023, Alexander still had 44 tackles, seven pass breakups and two interceptions.
Alexander is from Loreauville, Louisiana, a small town in Iberia Parish. He went from a town of 650 people, to an FCS school to now one of the biggest stages in college football.
“Nobody really knows what Loreauville is, so me putting Loreauville on the map, it just means a lot to me,” Alexander said.
Alexander’s skills continue to advance, making him one of the best corners in the SEC.
