Central Valley 2022 RB Landon Alexander Receives First D-I Offer

Central Valley football coach Mark Lyons was fortunate to coach plenty of talented individuals this season and some of them are taking their talents to the next level such as Ameer Dudley (Harvard), Stephon Hall (Pitt) and Myles Walker (Akron).

The cupboard won’t be empty for the defending WPIAL and PIAA champions as defensive lineman Sean FitzSimmons, who’s getting Power Five interest and running back Landon Alexander will return to lead the Warriors.

Alexander (6-foot-0, 180 pounds) was a major contributor down the stretch for Central Valley’s championship run and Thursday, he got the call that he’s been waiting for as he received his first Division I scholarship offer from UMass.

“This is really a dream come true because I remember always telling my friends and family that I want to go to the NFL, play football in college and make it as far as I can,” said Alexander. “For the offer to happen, I can’t believe it’s really happening. I wanted it so bad and it’s crazy that it’s happening.”

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 13: Landon Alexander (23) during the WPIAL Class 3-A Football Championship game at Newman Stadium on November 13, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Photo by Justin Berl)

“I talked with UMass on the phone and when they offered, I thanked them and actually I thanked them a lot, I couldn’t stop thanking them really,” Alexander said. “We talked about what I knew about UMass, the depth chart and they told me that the coaches up there really like me, my film and believe that I’m going to grow into being a really good player. After I got off the phone, I ran upstairs and was screaming to tell my parents, ‘I did it dad, I did it, I got that first offer’.”

Alexander plays both running back and defensive back for Central Valley but told Pittsburgh Sports Now that he’s getting recruited by UMass to play running back. Last season, Alexander collected 130 carries for 1,433 yards and 17 TD’s.

Junior Regular Season!! 6’0” 180lbs RB/DB @wpialsportsnews @Mark61Ross @CoachLyonsCVfb @WPIAL_Insider @TribHSInsider @PAPrepsRivals @KeystoneRecruit @CoachJonMc @CoachGHardin @Coach_Tiz @Coach_DiMike @CowsetteCoach https://t.co/tKJY7yAdSC

— Landon Alexander (@lalexander_) October 25, 2020

“I feel that the thing that makes me a good running back is my vision,” Alexander told PSN. “I have the ability to see holes and be patient in order to cut back. My speed helps me but honestly, I think I’m a tough runner. I don’t like to go down on first contact and like to try and break as many tackles as possible.”

Alexander was very excited about the news and is looking forward to seeing what other programs approach him. He also wanted to thank and recognize the his teammates and the Central Valley football program because he believes in a phrase that his head coach preaches to his players.

“With all the individual talent we have that brings team success. Coach Mark always tells us that college programs and coaches look a lot at teams that are successful and not ones that are 1-8 or 2-9. When your team wins, college coaches pay attention and really exam the roster. Plus, when you play with stars and talent like I played with, that honestly helps me and I’m grateful for that.”