Austin Alexander competing for top spot on the depth chart
Kansas sophomore cornerback Austin Alexander entered fall camp looking to compete for a starting job.
With DJ Graham limited early in camp he competed against Alabama transfer Jahlil Hurley for that spot. He says the experience has helped him grow. The coaches have been vocal about Alexander’s potential, and his performance in camp is giving them plenty to be encouraged about.
“Fall camp has been good,” Alexander said. “You know, there’s been ups and downs, but finishing through. You gotta follow your teammates. Like, following your teammates is probably the best way to go about that.”
Now in his second fall camp, Alexander feels more confident and prepared than he did as a freshman. With a better feel of the program and going through D.K. McDonald’s defensive scheme last spring he has a good understanding of the system.
“Coming into the second fall camp, knowing the play calls and playing faster, because I know what to do out there,” he said. “I know the defense now, so I don’t have to say, ‘Oh, wait, am I doing it right?’ Definitely off-the-field training, but being more in the film room and studying what the offense’s tendencies are.”
Head coach Lance Leipold has told Alexander he has the ability to be “really good” in the future, a message the young cornerback recalls often.
“It feels good hearing that from Coach Leipold,” he said. “You know, I just gotta keep stacking days and see what I give.”
The extra work has earned him more reps with the first-team defense in camp.
“It’s been great,” he said. “You know, it’s no different from going out there and playing football with the guys.”
Alexander is part of a younger cornerback group this season, but he says there’s a healthy mix of youth and leadership. Veterans like DJ Graham, Syeed Gibbs, and Lyrik Rawls have been instrumental in guiding the group.
“They are big leaders and help you on certain things that maybe your coach doesn’t see,” Alexander said.
Nutrition and recovery have been key focuses for Alexander’s growth. He credits Kansas’ nutrition staff for helping him work toward consistency with his diet and weight.
“It’s been up and down,” he said. “I can hold some weight sometimes, but overall, I’m gonna get there.”
Since arriving at Kansas at with his weight he called in the upper 160’s, he’s bulked up to around 179–180 pounds.
“Being in the training room and replenishing right after practice and I got to go eat right after practice,” Alexander said.
He continues to lean on both current teammates and former Jayhawks for advice. He and Todd have shared the same path since arriving in the same class. He’s also received encouragement from Cobee Bryant and Mello Dotson.
“They tell me just keep pushing and keep stacking days,” he said.
