Adrian Mayes and Eric Alexander did not think it would take three years to crack the starting lineup.
Both were highly recruited defensive backs from Texas who have been special teams standouts from day one and possess size, speed and strength any coach would love to have in his defensive backfield.
But other than special teams, playing time had been hard to come by for the two seniors…until now.
In a move intended to improve speed and athleticism at the Sam and Will linebacker positions, LSU coach Nick Saban announced before the season opener against the University of Louisiana at Monroe that Alexander would start at the Sam position, while Mayes would man the Will position.
“It was a decision coach Saban made,” Mayes said of the move. “For what reason, I don’t know, but it seems to be working out so far. The only reason I can see the change is speed on the field. I am just trying to do what is best for the team.”
In LSU’s 49-7 win over ULM, Mayes played a limited role, coming in when the base defense was called and recording one tackle, while Alexander made his mark, recording three tackles to go along with a sack.
“Eric Alexander has done very well,” Saban said. “He’s been a great special teams player for us. Now to be a starter and be able to channel that focus and energy and knowledge into a productive performance is what we’re hopeful that we’re going to continue to get from him.”
Saban said Mayes will play a much larger role this weekend in Arizona, as the Wildcats do not run as many multiple receiver sets against ULM, therefore requiring more base defense.
“We could have played him at defensive back some, but we chose to play to two freshmen safeties,” Saban said. “But he should see a lot more action this week, and I thought he played well in the opportunities he had last week.”
Mayes and Alexander agree the move to linebacker does not change their responsibilities drastically, but being closer to the line allows them to be in on more plays and make more tackles.
“I just like to hit,” Mayes said. “I just like being physical. I love being physical and playing with aggressiveness and sprinting to the ball. I just like the challenge when the bigger guy is trying to block me and I am a whole lot smaller than him. I just get a thrill out of it.”
Alexander enjoys the physicality of the linebacker position.
“You have to take on lineman and take on fullbacks,” Alexander said. “In the secondary, it is more pass first and run second. I think linebacker fits me. I like being closer to the line and being in on every play.”
Mayes, who is 6-foot-1, 211 pounds and was clocked with a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, and Alexander, who is 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds and who ran a 4.5 40, both use their speed to make up for their size deficiencies
“Being aggressive and speedy helps,” Mayes said. “Like coach Saban says, ‘Speed kills.’ Speed is a big factor for me right now, and that is one of the advantages that I have on some other linebackers.”
Alexander is bigger than Mayes, but still does not measure up to some other linebackers in the country, specifically in weight.
“Coming from secondary to linebacker with my speed, I am faster than offensive lineman and quicker,” Alexander said. “Adrian and I were able to make more plays, whereas if bigger, slower linebackers were in, they may not have made those plays.”