Interview: 2018 California QB Jack Alexander Gives Insight on Dartmouth Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: RyanWrightRNG

Class of 2018 quarterback Jack Alexander could be the embodiment of several things football related with perseverance at the top of the list. Through his high school career, the 6-3, 190 pound, field general has worked, reworked, and fine-tuned his game from an up-and-comer at St. John Bosco High School to the starting quarterback for Redondo Union. The growth on the field of play brought top Division-I interest during his senior year but a wait and see mode took Alexander past National Signing Day on Feb. 7 to a commitment to Dartmouth on Feb. 26. Patience with the process now has Alexander playing Division-I football at the FCS level at one of the most prestigious colleges in the U.S.

The progression of Alexander’s game can be measured with his stat line. During his junior season, Alexander threw for 1,573 yards with 19 touchdowns tossed while running for 142 yards with three more scores in 12 games played. During the 2017 campaign, the offensive production took a big step up completing 158-of-261 for 2,158 yards with 19 touchdowns through 11 games. As the completion percentage went up, so did his ability to sting defenses with his legs. Alexander became a true dual-threat tucking the pigskin 110 times for 724 yards with nine good reasons to celebrate.

After earning League Offensive MVP and All-Area (Daily Breeze) honors and being selected for the Blue-Grey All-American Game, earning the start for the West squad, California Sports Classic All-Star, and Lions All-Star Game (150 yards passing and four touchdowns), various levels of interest had come in from all over the country with San Diego State, Stanford, UNLV, Wyoming, Toledo, USC, Washington State, and Arizona among the many. Seemingly every Ivy League school at one time or another showed interest after Alexander posted a 1280 on his SAT and a 29 on his ACT while carrying a 4.2 GPA.

The long and winding road started to draw to a conclusion over the weekend when Alexander made a visit to Hanover. An offer from Dartmouth was extended on Friday with the Big Green landing their quarterback of the future on Sunday. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Alexander shortly after he made his decision public to get the insight on how Dartmouth became is perfect collegiate fit.

Interview

Jack, congratulations on your commitment to Dartmouth.

“Thank you.”

When did you visit Dartmouth?

“Thursday through Saturday (Feb. 22-24).”

What all did you do during your visit?

“We stayed at hotel one night and then I stayed in the dorm the other nights. I met all the players and all the coaching staff. While we were there, we went through the whole town. The town is basically Dartmouth’s. It is a cool college town with a great vibe.”

What did you think of their facilities?

“I thought they were awesome. The coaches stood out to me as well. Again, they have a great environment there. Going to Dartmouth is not an opportunity everyone gets along with a chance to play there.”

When did the coaching staff extend the offer?

“They talked to me about it for a couple of weeks. On Friday, I met with Coach (Buddy) Teevens, their head coach, and that is when they offered.”

How did he offer you?

“He was talking about the process, the environment there, and wanted to know what I stood for as a player and student. He said he thought that I would be a great fit for the program, he thought I was a good fit for them. He said he liked my game and that I am a competitor who could come in to compete right away.”

When did you decide that Dartmouth was the school for you?

“I did my own research into the school. I wanted to see what they can provide off the field. When I went out there, my confidence started to grow. I saw that Dartmouth was the best decision for my future when football is over. I was looking for a school where I could make an impact with my life off the field and on the field.”

When did you commit to Dartmouth?

“They wanted me to commit when I was out there. I waited. I flew home to think it over some more. I wanted to talk to some other people and get their feedback. I was sold on Dartmouth during the visit but I wanted to talk to some people before I committed. Yesterday (Sunday), I decided talked to Coach Teevens today to make it official.”

What was the reaction of Coach Teevens when you committed?

“He was very thrilled. I’m a top priority guy for them. He was very excited to have me after being there over the weekend. I’m going into a very good situation at Dartmouth.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“It was surreal. This is something I will not take for granted. It took a long time to get here. It is all hitting me late. It will feel good for some time.”

What type of offense do they run?

“They run stuff I am familiar with – no huddle, up-temp, a spread offense. They do some under center plays as well. You get the full experience of a collegiate offense at that school.”

How did the coaches talk to you about being used within their system?

“They’ve had a really good quarterback there the last couple of years. They know I can use my mental capacity on the field, run and throw, and be a great competitor on the field in a fashion that they are used to there.”

Dumb question, this has been a long process for you – is there a sense of relief your recruiting process is over?

“I couldn’t be more relived. I wasn’t a huge fan of the process, but at the end of the day I am thankful for it.”

How does it feel to be going to an Ivy League school to play college football?

“Crazy. Everything is still surreal right now. I feel blessed to have the opportunity. I feel fortunate. God had a plan, I appreciate it.”

Jack, congratulations, again, on your commitment to Dartmouth. Good luck at the collegiate level.

“Thank you, Ryan.”

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Photo credit: Alexander family; Jack Alexander at Dartmouth with Coach Teevens

Photo credit: Alexander family; Jack Alexander and family at Dartmouth