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Georgia Tech Football 2018 Player Previews: #9 OLB Victor Alexander

By Lee Cagle

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Qadree Ollison #37 of the Pittsburgh Panthers is tackled by linebacker Victor Alexander #9 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Qadree Ollison #37 of the Pittsburgh Panthers is tackled by linebacker Victor Alexander #9 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the game at Bobby Dodd Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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Expected to be a starting outside linebacker this season for the Georgia Tech football teams, Victor Alexander is in for a huge season in the Jackets new loon defense.

A year ago, Victor Alexander was the leader in tackles for the Georgia Tech defense with 60, added two sacks, a QB hurry, and two tackles for loss. A good yaliey season for somebody part of Ted Roof’s non-agressuve defense. Now in a new defense that will take advantage of his athleticism, Alexander is in for a huge senior season.

The Jacksonville native so far has been a standout for new defensive coordinator Nate Woody and has earned high praise from other coaches throughout the spring practices. Expected to be a leader on the defense, there will be a lot of pressure on Alexander to produce for the Yellow Jackets.

What He Brings to the Table

Alexander demonstrated strong ability for Ted Roofs defense in  2017 and looks to capitalize on that momentum for 2018. His athleticism and skillset have put him in a position to excel in the new 3-4 defense that is currrntly brining installed. His role in the new defense will be as a primary pass rusher but will also remain a big part of their defense when it comes to the run defense as well.

Alexander has played in every game since joining Georgia Tech in 2015 and brings the most experience on the defensive side of the ball for 2018. Combining his experience with that of inside linebacker Brant Mitchell, the Jackets are in a good spot experience wise at linebacker. That experience could be the difference between getting to opposing QB’s vs not, and that kind of ability to affect offenses will be critical for this defense to have a turn around in 2018.

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Alexander is not the biggest guy in the world at 5’10 235 lbs, but size is not always the qualifying factor on the Flats and Alexander has more than proved his iron man status in the defense. With athleticism being a huge factor of success for Nate Woody’s defense, Alexander’s athleticism will make him a cornerstone of the Jackets defense in 2018. His experience will be invaluable for the two freshmen that make up the rest of the OLBs on the depth chart, but Alexander will likely have a lock on the starting spot for 2018.

What to Expect in 2018

Alexander led the team in tackles last season and there is no reason to think that he will not challenge for that position again in 2018. The number that I expect to see go up the most is hits on opposing QB’s and his sack total. The 3-4 scheme that Nate Woody is installing should play to the skill set of Alexander overall and as long he is able to stay healthy, I believe his sack totals will improve.

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The only concern that I have is the lack of depth behind him in the OLB position with two freshmen that will be competing throughout fall camp for playing time. If Alexander can help them along in their development, then the position should be in good shape following his senior season and for the foreseeable future.