Charles Alexander

Charles Gabriel Alexander (born October 9, 1985) is an American former football defensive tackle. He was signed by the Spokane Shock as a street free agent in 2010. He played college football as a defensive tackle for the LSU Tigers from 1985 to 1987.

Early life Alexander is a native of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.

LSU Tigers He was recruited to attend Louisiana State University by Nick Saban as part of his final recruiting class at the school and announced his commitment to LSU in November 2003. Alexander played parts of six seasons with the LSU Tigers football team, including the 2007 national championship team.

He played the 2005 season as a redshirt freshman for LSU. However, he missed all but one game due to injuries.

He began the year as a starter on the defensive line for the 2007 LSU Tigers football team that won the 2008 BCS National Championship Game. He made four tackles in the team's opening game against Mississippi State. With Alexander in the lineup for the first three games, LSU won all three games by more than 40 points and allowed just seven total points in the three games. The Tigers were particularly dominant stopping the rush, allowing only 30 rushing yards per game with Alexander in the lineup in 2007.

However, his 2007 season ended with a knee injury suffered in a practice session prior to the game against South Carolina. At the time of the injury, LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette described Alexander as a popular player on the team whose attitude would be missed. Bonnette added that the team was exploring options such as a medical redshirt or an additional year of eligibility for Alexander.

Alexander played in 13 games for the 2008 LSU team, including eight as a starter. He recorded 24 tackles, including one sack. In an interview with The Daily Reveille, Alexander noted the strength of LSU's defensive line in recent years and suggested that if Penn State is Linebacker U. and USC is Halfback U., then LSU should be known as "Defensive Line U": "This is officially now Defensive Line University. We have a stockpile of guys who can play good football here, and it's becoming a tradition."

In January 2009, Alexander applied to the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility. After reviewing Alexander's documentation and considering the time he lost due to injuries, the NCAA granted him an additional year of eligibility. On learning of the NCAA's decision, LSU head coach Les Miles issued a press release stating, "We are very happy that the NCAA ruled in favor of Charles. He deserved to get the chance to play another season at the collegiate level. He will be a big part of our defense next year so we're glad to get him back." A feature story in The Advocate, the daily newspaper in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, noted: "The dream, ideal, feel-good scenario is for LSU defensive tackle Charles Alexander to finally have this one great season that makes good on the struggles of his five previous and injury-plagued years."

In August 2009, The Times-Picayune of New Orleans, Louisiana published a feature story on Alexander. The story emphasized Alexander's run of bad luck:LSU defensive tackle Charles Alexander is hoping the sixth time is the charm. Burly and soft-spoken, Alexander opened his sixth fall practice at LSU on Thursday hoping the balance of breaks swings toward lucky after five years of bad ones. Injuries and surgery have slowed his progress just when he starts to get a head of steam."

As a sixth-year senior in 2009, Alexander was the only returning starter on LSU's defensive front, He started all 13 games at defensive tackle and had 29 tackles and one sack for the Tigers. He was one of the leaders for the 2009 LSU defense that ranked No. 11 in the nation in scoring, allowing 16.0 points per game. Also in October 2009, a nationally syndicated newspaper story on the LSU noted that the defensive front was loaded with talent, including Alexander. Alexander was quoted in the story as follows:We're going to play intense style of football. We'll make sure we impose our will on our opponent, strike guys and get off the block and make plays. We don't want to over pursue players or under pursue. Just rally 11 guys to the ball.

His final game for LSU was the Capital One Bowl against Penn State on January 1, 2010. As he prepared to play in his final game for the Tiger, Alexander told The Times-Picayune, "Finally, I see the end of the tunnel. Nothing ever lasts forever. I've loved every minute of it. My teammates are like my brothers, and now I'm trying to enjoy every moment knowing there's only a couple of days left."

Professional career

Philadelphia Eagles Due to concerns over his injury history, Alexander was not selected in the 2010 NFL draft. He signed a contract as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles on April 26, 2010. On April 30, 2010, Alexander reportedly did not pass his physical with the Eagles and was removed from the roster.

Spokane Shock Alexander signed with the Spokane Shock of the Arena Football League on December 7, 2010.

Pittsburgh Power Alexander was traded to the Pittsburgh Power with two other players on February 24, 2011, in exchange for claim order position. After he was initially placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list on March 4, Alexander was placed on Injured Reserve on March 10. Alexander remained on Injured Reserve all season.