Deslin Alexandre returned to Pitt for one last season in order to help lead Pitt to another ACC championship, but that’s also allowed him to continue to work just as hard off the field.
And with the 2022 Wuerffel Trophy preseason watchlist announced Thursday, Alexandre is one of the 115 names on the list. The Wuerffel Trophy is the premier community service award in college football — awarded to those who serve others, celebrate their positive impact on society and inspire greater service in the world.
“I continue to be impressed with the number of college football players who are achieving on the field and still dedicating time to make a positive impact in their community,” Wuerffel said in the statement. “The student-athletes on this watch list are positively impacting organizations throughout the country.”
Alexandre, who recently celebrated his 24th birthday, has already earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and is enrolled in Pitt’s Katz Graduate School of Business. He’s also one half of Pitt’s starting defensive end duo.
Alexandre started Pitt’s final 11 games this season, excluding the Peach Bowl which he missed due to injury, at defensive end alongside Habakkuk Baldonado. Alexandre racked up 41 tackles (16 solo), five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, defended a pass and recorded an interception this season.
In four seasons, Alexandre has recorded 102 tackles (46 solo), 23 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, an interception, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. All after not beginning to play football until his junior year at Deerfield Beach in Florida.
And the latest effort from Alexandre, the founding of the Fifth Down Foundation, is a partnership with the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation, with the goal of raising $50,000 in order to provide better schooling, food and more for children in Cap-Haitien, Haiti — Alexandre’s hometown.
The semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy will be announced on Nov. 1 and the finalist will be announced on Nov. 22.
