UNION, Ky. — Cooper High School 2025 tight end/defensive end Austin Alexander announced Friday afternoon he has given a verbal commitment to play football at the University of North Carolina.
Alexander made the announcement in front of his family, classmates, teammates and coaches at Cooper High School.
"The thing is (UNC) wanted him from day one," Cooper coach Randy Borchers said. "They really fell in love with him. Early on they went through a major change in the defensive coordinator position and I think that played a role in what he wanted to do. From day one they were never really changed with where they were with him and what they wanted to do. They were one of the schools that told me he's the complete package. When you look at North Carolina they're a tremendous academic school as well. And I think when you look at what Austin's done and what he wants to do in the future there's going to be a time after football and he wants to make sure he's prepared for that as well."
North Carolina offered a scholarship in 2023 to Alexander. He said he plans to enroll early with the Tar Heels this December.
Alexander, a four-star player by 247 Sports,earned 81 tackles (57 solo) including 19 sacks for the Jaguars this past season. He had 67 receptions for 1,139 yards receiving and 19 touchdowns. He also had an interception return for 75 yards.
He was a first-team all-state defensive player.
"He's a leader," Borchers said. "He's always very positive in everything. He never gets down. Very vocal leader which you don't see that much anymore in high school football. I think one of the things every coach wishes for is to have some vocal leaders. Kids just don't do that nowadays. Him always staying positive and always going 100 miles an hour every play really takes him to the next level."
Cooper (12-3 in 2023) was a Kentucky Class 5A state runner-up in 2023. Alexander had eight receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown in the state final against Bowling Green Dec. 2 at University of Kentucky's Kroger Field.
Alexander, who is listed at 6 feet 3 and 245 pounds, is the nephew former NFL star running back Shaun Alexander and the cousin of Detroit Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes.
This past season was a memorable journey for Cooper, which earned its first playoff win since 2018. Cooper, which opened its school in 2008, entered the state final with eight consecutive wins including three victories in a row on the road.
