Alexander reaffirms commitment to OU
BY ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Sunday, February 03, 2013
2/03/13 at 7:28 AM
Oklahoma commit Dominique Alexander understands why some fans were uneasy when he took visits to Arkansas and Kansas State during the past two weekends.
Alexander explained his trips on Saturday. He initially committed to Arkansas in the summer and promised a trip to Fayetteville, while there appears not to be much to read into the Kansas State visit.
Then the Booker T. Washington senior affirmed his commitment to the Sooners, saying "Oklahoma is just the place for me. They are the best for me on the field and academically."
Alexander is one of the Sooners' 22-man commitments in the 2013 recruiting class. He is one of only two linebackers on OU's list.
Since Alexander committed to OU two months ago, was coach Bob Stoops disappointed that he took visits to other schools? Maybe a little, it appears.
"But coach Stoops understood. He told me that this was the beginning of our player-coach relationship and said this is where trust comes in," Alexander said. "He asked if he had anything to worry about. I said 'No sir.' Then he said 'Well, make me a happy man on Feb. 6.' "
Alexander said he had in-home visits with OU assistants Jackie Shipp and Tim Kish on Friday.
In the end, Alexander is happy that he made an informed choice.
"This is a decision I have to live with for the rest of my life," he said. "OU will help me get to the next level or reach my college degree."
New commitments: Oklahoma likely will gain more fans from Lancaster, Texas, in upcoming football seasons. The Sooners gained two defensive back verbal commitments from the Dallas-area city - one for the 2013 recruiting class and the other in 2014 - on Saturday.
Defensive back Dakota Austin announced his commitment for next season, while safety Vontre McQuinnie announced his intent to join the 2014 class.
Lancaster is also the home of OU players Demontre Hurst and Quentin Hayes.
Austin, a 5-11, 167-pound cornerback from Lancaster High, brings OU's 2013 commitment list to 22.
McQuinnie, a 6-1, 198-pounder, attended Junior Day on Saturday. He's listed as a safety, but could be a hybrid linebacker in OU's plans.
McQuinnie's news was released by ESPN.com. McQuinnie is the second commitment of the 2014 class. He joins Texas City wide receiver Armanti Foreman (6-0, 174), who pledged to the Sooners Oct. 1.
Eric Bailey 918-581-8391
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Former Booker T. Washington standout Dominique Alexander (right), now an OU commit, defends against Jenks last season. JAMES GIBBARD/Tulsa World file
|
