Lonyatta “Junior” Alexander entered the transfer portal just four days ago, and it didn’t take long for the 6-2, 200 lb. wideout from Kennedy Catholic to find his way back to Washington.
Alexander was favored to be a Husky when he was being recruited, but wound up signing with Arizona State, where he put in one year as a true freshman.
But with a new staff in the house, the Huskies were ready to make their move towards Alexander the minute he entered the transfer portal; all they needed was a new receiver’s coach.
“I have gotten a chance to talk to Coach Shephard”, Alexander told Realdawg.com earlier today about his decision, “He seems like a great dude and I honestly think he’s going to help set, not only this program up for success, but our wide receiver room as well.”
Alexander was a 4-star prospect coming out of high school. Some have speculated that there may have been a disconnect between former coach Junior Adams and Alexander at some point, and news that Alexander was leaving the state disappointed Husky fans a great deal.
But this is a second chance for all involved, and it’s a great second chance.
“I chose Washington to be close to family and the people I grew up with”, he explained, “Just to be around the guys I grew up playing with and against. My family is very excited about me coming home, and I think it’s amazing that I get to play in front of them in my hometown.”
One of which is Husky quarterback, Sam Huard, who had been in Alexander’s ear when he was still a senior being recruited, “Sam is very excited about it”, Alexander said, “He’s like a brother to me and I’m just excited to be around him and the guys and get to work.”
What is Washington getting?
At his height and weight, Alexander has good speed, runs crisp routes, but his biggest asset is his physicality. He high points the ball very well and can use his off hand to fight off DB’s in the same vein as a young Michael Irvin. A receiver who has some nasty and knows he owns the ball when it’s still in the air.
Look for Shephard to fine tune those skills and Ron McKeefery to get the most out of him in the weight room so that Alexander can become the receiver he’s meant to be.
