When ESPN’s No. 4 player in the nation, Mackensie Alexander, announced he was taking his talent to Clemson University, he made the statement he would bring the Tigers a National Championship. In case anyone forgot his promise, he reminded reporters from across the nation at the 2016 National Championship Media Day.
“If you guys remembered, on signing day, I said we’re going to win a national championship,” Alexander said. “I really believed it.”
Although Alexander did not get to experience winning the National Title in his time as a Tiger, he helped Clemson get close to bringing one back. You might even say had he not injured his hamstring in the second quarter of the Tigers’ loss to Alabama, Clemson might have won. The Crimson Tide had just 73 passing yards when Alexander left the game. They finished with 335.
Alexander helped create a culture that will impact Clemson’s program for a long time come. The cornerback has since entered the 2016 NFL Draft, but his short time wearing the Tiger Paw created an everlasting legacy.
Although Alexander was drowning in scholarship offers as one of the highest touted recruits in the 2013 signing class, his life was never easy. The cornerback was able to use football as a way to deal with the hardships he endured growing up, and through hard work, dedication and incredible talent, a future All-American was born.
“He came right out of momma’s womb as a corner,” defensive coordinator Brent Venables said. “So we talk about that, laugh about that. He was born to be doing what he’s doing right now.”
When he got to Clemson, the grind never stopped. When Alexander wasn’t practicing, he was studying his opponent and taking notes on everything that pertained to the game.
He could have contributed to the team in his freshman year at Clemson, but a groin injury forced him to redshirt in 2013.
When the 2014 season came around, Alexander was ready to show the world why he was so heavily recruited, and he did. The shutdown corner was the first freshman to start in all 13 games and earned first-team freshman All-American honors.
In 766 snaps, Alexander racked up 22 tackles, two tackles for loss, six pass breakups and a recovered fumble. The Florida native was targeted 57 times, only allowing 20 completions and two touchdowns.
In 2015, he only allowed 12 completions in the 50 times passes were thrown his way. None of those completions resulted in touchdowns, and Alexander became a semi-finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.
Alexander has signed with an agent and has left school to continue his training as he prepares to enter the 2016 NFL Draft. Most experts have him going somewhere in the first round along with fellow Tigers defensive ends Shaq Lawson and Kevin Dodd.
Although his time at Clemson was limited, Alexander will always be remembered.
If you haven’t already order your copy today of Guts & Glory – Tales of Clemson’s Historic 2015 Football Season to help you celebrate and remember this special season.
