Trojans’ Alexander to sit out rest of ’24, redshirt

Pete Thamel, ESPNSep 25, 2024, 10:44 PM ET Close College Football Elder Author for ESPN. Insider for College Gameday.USC defensive tackle Bear Alexander, who ‘d revealed displeasure with his playing time, is taking a redshirt season in 2024. Tony Jones, who Alexander calls

his dad, verified to ESPN that Alexander doesn’t prepare to bet the rest of the season to preserve a year of eligibility.Alexander strategies to stay with the USC group and practice

, Jones stated.”We made clear what our goals are, “Jones stated.

“That objective is to be a full-time starter and leader on the defense like we came there to be.”Editor’s Picks 1 Related Alexander, a third-year player who spent his freshman season at Georgia, played 21

snaps in a 27-24 loss to Michigan last Saturday. The former ESPN top-60 recruit has 10 career deals with for loss and 3.5 sacks in 28 games covering the two schools.Prior to the redshirt news, USC coach Lincoln Riley intimated that a few of the minimal snaps originated from increased competitors

at that position group.USC has played three games, which is listed below the four-game threshold to maintain the season for Alexander’s eligibility. By redshirting, he’ll have 2 seasons remaining.”If Bear not being a starter and playing 35 or 40 snaps a game isn’t in the best interest of the group, “Jones stated,” we need to do something various. “It’s a choice that’s ended up being progressively common in the NCAA transfer portal era, where players do not have to sit out seasons to move schools. Alexander is a 6-foot-3, 315-pound defensive tackle whose size, collegiate experience and talent will ensure a strong market in the portal.His choice went public on the very same day that UNLV quarterback Matthew Sluka rocked the college landscape with his decision to leave the school and take a redshirt season after leading the group to a 3-0 start.Alexander strategies to push through the season and chart his course from there. “This was a household choice, “Jones stated. “It boiled down to Bear and what he wants to do and the goals he set for himself. We took a seat as a family and took a plan to arrive.”