Back in 2022, when Kalen DeBoer signed 19 high school recruits for Washington’s 2023 class, three were from in-state, and two were linebackers. Xe’ree Alexander wasn’t one of them.
Now, after proving himself at both the FCS and FBS levels, Alexander is back in Seattle, determined to silence his doubters. The former Kennedy Catholic linebacker has been tasked with filling the void left by Carson Bruener and Alphonzo Tuputala on a defense in need of leadership and Big Ten experience.
A Late Bloomer with a Point to Prove
Unlike his older brother, Lonyatta Alexander Jr., who was a national recruit and signed with Arizona State, Xe’ree took longer to develop. By his senior year, however, he had a breakout season, earning North Puget Sound League Defensive Player of the Year honors with 115 tackles, two defensive touchdowns, and nearly 1,000 rushing yards.
Despite his late surge, his recruiting options were limited. He initially committed to Arizona State but decommitted after a coaching change, leaving him without a Power Five opportunity. Washington, where his brother had transferred, never extended an offer.
Instead, he took a different route, starting at FCS Idaho. His freshman season saw him rack up 75 tackles and a game-saving blocked field goal in the FCS playoffs. That performance earned him a jump to Central Florida, where he excelled again, leading UW’s 2024 linebackers in tackles for loss while posting a 17-tackle game against West Virginia.
A Key Addition for Washington
With Washington’s linebacker corps depleted, Alexander’s return couldn’t have come at a better time. While Alabama and NC State pursued him in the portal, coming home was an easy choice.
“I’ve always believed I could perform at the highest level,” Alexander said. “Now I’m here to prove it.”
His leadership qualities, praised by former coaches and teammates, will be crucial as he helps develop UW’s next generation of linebackers. Though adjusting to Seattle’s weather after a stint in Florida might take time, Alexander is exactly where he wants to be.
“I always missed home,” he said. “I missed this.”