Bear Alexander is a true defensive tackle at USC, as opposed to being a hybrid

Some players can and will be shuffled among various spots, but teams also need role-specific players such as Bear Alexander.

Bear Alexander isn’t a speed rusher. He isn’t going to drop back in coverage the way rush end Korey Foreman did late in last season’s UCLA game. He knows what his role is.

We talked to USC football analyst Josh Webb for more on the Bear:

“Alexander is a true defensive tackle and that’s why he was so coveted among various schools,” Webb told us. “This isn’t a defensive end living out the last years of his time at defensive tackle; he has the height, weight, and body build to make it work. Alexander is not just large, he is absolutely quick as a cat. His burst off the line and ability to disengage from a block and get after the play are also why he was a top recruit. That’s the true zero-technique player USC needs to make a 3-3-5 and a 3-4 work. When you are only rushing three, you must have a man-eater on your defense to soak up double-team blocks, or opposing teams are going to tear your unit apart.

“It’s funny that the entire projected USC defensive line for this year will be made up of transfers. There are some true gems in this class, and if they all can work together to fill the gaps in last year’s defense, the new 2023 version will be among the best in the nation. It does not matter from whence the talent came, only that it flourishes. Alexander has that chance to thrive. Whatever bargain USC made to improve its defense, one hopes it pays off this season.”

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