Lorenzo Alexander impressing again

[SFREDSKIN]

I have to say, this guy is my favorite current Redskin player. Correction, I love this guy!!

Lorenzo Alexander is at it again.

Alexander impressed the previous two coaching staffs with his versatility on offense, defense and special teams, and Coach Mike Shanahan's crew is raving about the former lineman's work at linebacker. Alexander is making a smooth transition from a three-technique interior lineman, the position he primarily played in his first three seasons with the Redskins, to an outside linebacker in Washington's new 3-4 base front, coaches say.

Alexander also has played defensive end, as well as tight end and guard on offense, in addition to his contributions on special teams. But it seems he could be an integral part of the linebacker rotation this season. Through the first two minicamps and two sessions of organized team activities, Alexander has excelled in every facet of his new role.

"He's been awesome. The guy's awesome. The guy's unbelievable," defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said Wednesday at Redskins Park. "He's a better athlete than I would have ever guessed. If you'd told me last year he played three technique, I would have never guessed it.
"If you said he played linebacker, I would have said he played linebacker. He's 275 pounds. He's ideal size for the position. He's got good rush ability. He's unbelievably smart. He's tough as nails. I love the guy."

Alexander's ability to grasp things quickly has helped him earn an important role despite the fact that he was not drafted out of the University of California. "The transition he's made has probably taken us by surprise more than anything," Haslett said.

"He can play any position he really wants," he said.