Mizzou Commitment - Van Alexander

Columbia, Missouri's Van Alexander is one of the finest athletes in the Heartland region. Alexander is the best running back prospect and linebacker in the state of Missouri.

Columbia (Mo.) Rock Bridge head coach A.J. Ofodile has quite a 1-2 punch coming back in 2003.

Ofodile, a former Missouri Tiger standout and NFL veteran will have one of the nations finest quarterbacks, Chase Patton and one of the top athletes in the Heartland in Van Alexander leading the charge this year.

We absolutely loved Patton on film and Alexander is also a terrific athlete. Van has given the Missouri Tigers his verbal commitment.

“Missouri offered Chase (Patton) and Van (Alexander) last December,” said Ofodile.

“Van accepted right away. He grew up bleeding black and gold. His commitment is solid.

“Van is 6-foot-1, 210-pounds and he has 4.46 speed. He has a big time motor and he’s athletic. He’ll be a linebacker in college even though I feel he’s the best running back in the state.

“We could line Van up at corner or safety and not miss a beat. Last year he had 146 tackles and was named all-state.”

We agree with Ofodile’s assessment of Alexander. He’s a tremendous athlete that could play on either side of the ball. He has natural instincts that can’t be taught.

Alexander makes plays sideline to sideline and he’s shows terrific instincts in the box, shedding blocks and making tackles.

There were several plays where Alexander stopped Michigan bound running back Anton Campbell in the backfield. Van is quite a player and a terrific catch for the Missouri program.