In a story of perseverance and redemption, former Kennedy Catholic linebacker Xe’ree Alexander is making a triumphant return to the University of Washington (UW) football program after initially being overlooked by the Huskies. Now, after proving himself at multiple levels of college football, Alexander is back in Seattle to show that his journey, though unconventional, has shaped him into a force to be reckoned with.
The 6-foot-2, 223-pound linebacker, who was initially snubbed by UW during his high school recruiting process, has spent the past few years proving his doubters wrong. After a stellar senior season at Kennedy Catholic, where he earned North Puget Sound League Defensive Player of the Year honors, Alexander faced a tough road to a major college offer. Despite his impressive performances, he only received offers from Arizona State, Arizona, and Hawaii, ultimately committing to the Sun Devils. However, after Arizona State’s coaching turmoil led to his decommitment, Alexander found his footing at the FCS level with Idaho.
At Idaho, Alexander excelled, posting 75 tackles in his freshman season and earning All-Big Sky honorable mention honors. His breakout moment came during the FCS playoffs, when he blocked a game-winning field goal attempt, sending his team to overtime and securing a victory. His success at Idaho earned him a transfer to Central Florida (UCF), where he continued to impress with 68 tackles and six tackles for loss in 2024.
After a productive season at UCF, Alexander entered the transfer portal once again, and this time, UW came calling. The Huskies, who had previously passed on him, were now looking to add depth and leadership to their linebacker corps. With veterans like Carson Bruener and Alphonzo Tuputala departing, Alexander’s experience and ability to step up as a leader on and off the field make him a key addition to UW’s defense.
Now back in Seattle, Alexander is determined to prove that the doubts cast on him early in his career were misplaced. He’s excited to contribute to the Huskies’ defense and mentor the next generation of players. With a chip on his shoulder and a burning desire to succeed, Xe’ree Alexander is ready to show that he’s always had what it takes to thrive at the highest level.
