Coach | 2027 DT Target Tyler Alexander Very Intrigued By Notre Dame

The first thing people notice about Tyler Alexander‍ is his size.

But his coach believes the 2027 Florida defensive tackle’s work ethic is even more impressive.

Palm Beach Central head coach Kevin Thompson has had plenty of talented players over the years, but says Alexander approaches the game differently.

“He's a large human who moves very, very quickly, which is terrifying,” Thompson told Irish Sports Daily. “He has all the measurables.”

The consistency Alexander brings to the facility every day stands out to Thompson even more.

“What's a little scarier is his work ethic,” Thompson said. “That guy really, really works for a guy who has all the offers and can go wherever he wants to go.”

This month will be pivotal for Alexander, who has official visits scheduled to Georgia (June 5), Notre Dame (June 12) and Texas (June 19). The 6-foot-4, 315-pounder already took an official visit to Colorado in May and was in South Bend for an official for April’s Blue-Gold Game.

The recruiting attention hasn't changed Alexander’s approach, according to Thompson.

“We have to kick him out of our facility,” the coach said. “Every day he's working, every day he's grinding. We've had some big-time guys before, but when they get their offers, they kind of take their foot off the gas. Not this guy.”

The Palm Beach Central standout pairs that mentality with rare physical tools.

“The twitchiness,” Thompson said when asked what separates Alexander physically. “He's very twitchy. Strong kid, man.”

The Wellington, Fla., native combines that explosiveness with natural power and leverage at the point of attack.

“Very violent at the point,” Thompson explained. “Great get off and he has great leverage.”

The coach also believes one ability often overlooked in elite prospects is coachability.

“Usually kids like that, you get to a certain point, they stop asking your opinion,” Thompson said. “The logo changes so they listen to college coaches and that type of stuff.”

Not Alexander. 

“After every rep he's going to go see his coach, ‘Hey, what could I have done better there?’” Thompson said.

Notre Dame has made up a lot of ground with Alexander over the past couple months with new defensive line coach Charlie Partridge leading the charge since joining the staff.

Alexander's first visit to South Bend left a stronger impression than he expected.

“I think it surprised him,” Thompson said. “He didn't expect to like it as much as he did.”

Before making the trip, Alexander wasn't sure what to expect from Notre Dame.

“When we first got the offer, he was just like, ‘I want to see myself going to Notre Dame and what does it look like?’” Thompson recalled.

“When he went there on that first unofficial visit, he was pleasantly surprised. He was just like, ‘Coach, it's nothing like I thought it was. Man, it's awesome.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, they surprise a lot of people.’”

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