Alexander Leaving Wyoming to Enter NFL Draft

For just the second time in the history of the University of Wyoming football program, a player is leaving early to pursue a career in the NFL. Head Coach Dave Christensen announced on Friday that junior running back Alvester Alexander will forego his senior senior and declare for the 2012 NFL Draft.

Alexander concluded his Wyoming career ranked No. 9 on the UW career rushing list, with 2,127 yards.  He also ranks No. 3 in school history in career rushing touchdowns, with 27. In 2011, Alexander rushed for 695 yards, ranking second on the Cowboy team to freshman quarterback Brett Smith, who rushed for a net 710 yards. He rushed for 640 yards as a freshman in 2009 and 792 yards as a sophomore in 2010.

“Alvester (Alexander) has decided that he wants to make himself eligible for the NFL Draft at this time,” said Christensen.  “He feels that this decision is best for he and his family.  It is his decision to make, and we can only wish him the best of luck as he pursues this next step in his career.  We thank Alvester for his contributions over the past three seasons, including helping us to earn two bowl appearances.”

On Twitter, Alexander reached out to the UW community, "My time at the University of Wyoming has been great and I appreciate all who have supported!! Will truly miss the best fans ever."

Alexander shared the running back duties in 2011 with fellow junior Ghaali Muhammad (379 rushing yards), sophomore Brandon Miller (364 yards) and freshman Kody Sutton (146 yards).  Muhammad, Miller and Sutton are all returning for the 2012 season.