Alexander was young freshman and a reserve on the star studded Sooner teams that made title appearances, but he had made a name of his own the past two seasons in Norman. As a sophomore, Alexander had 74 tackles, seven for loss, with two sacks and an interception on his way to 2nd team All Big 12 honors. That was just the beginning though, as he took a big leap as a junior, finishing the year with 102 tackles, 17 for loss, and five sacks to go along with one interception. Alexander had another outstanding year as a senior, finishing with 100 tackles, 12.5 for loss, two sacks, and an INT.
Rufus Alexander is a very active and intense linebacker. He flies all over the field, and is in on every play. He is not content taking a play off, and has to be in the middle of the action on every down. He plays with excellent instincts, and has the speed to run plays down sideline to sideline. Alexander is a playmaker in every phase of the game: getting into the backfield and stopping the run, rushing the passer, and dropping into coverage.
Alexander is a tad undersized for linebacker at the next level. With his lack of stature, he can be taken out of running plays by a blocker, and does not hold up at the point of attack well.
There are not many linebackers that are as big a playmaker as Alexander is, but he may be limited in what he can do at the next level. His size may limit his effectiveness in some defenses, and he will have to be utilized in the right scheme.