Purdue Senior Linebacker Jaylan Alexander Declares for 2022 NFL Draft

Purdue senior linebacker notched 19 tackles in a 48-45 overtime victory over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl on Thursday. He led the team with 113 tackles during the 2021 season and will now look to take his talents to the highest possible level.

Author:
D.J. Fezler
Publish date:
Dec 31, 2021 5:08 PM EST

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Following Purdue football's 48-45 overtime victory over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl, linebacker Jaylan Alexander announced Friday via social media he is officially declaring for the 2022 NFL Draft.

"Since I could remember, it has been a dream of mine to play at the highest level possible," Alexander wrote. "I've always believed this was made for me. When you know you're chosen, you don't need approval from anyone."

The senior out of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, recorded 226 tackles in his four seasons with the program. Alexander recorded a team-leading and career-best 113 total tackles in 13 games during the 2021 season.

He saved the best individual performance of his career for last, registering a career-high 19 total tackles for the Boilermakers while battling through injury during the Music City Bowl on Thursday.

"It was physical, it was a nice game," Alexander said after the win. "I loved it. It was an experience that I will remember forever, definitely."

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound linebacker also tallied 7.5 tackles for loss, five bass breakups, one sack and one forced fumble on the year. Alexander was recognized as an All-Big Ten honorable mention for his performance this season.

Alexander was one of several Purdue football players to graduate this year. He majored in selling and sales management.

PURDUE OUTLASTS TENNESSEE IN MUSIC CITY BOWL: Purdue and Tennessee combined for a record-setting Music City Bowl, but the Boilermakers came away with a timely stop to win in overtime. Wide receiver Broc Thompson was named the game's most valuable player after catching seven passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. CLICK HERE
MUSIC CITY BOWL PHOTO GALLERY: Take a scroll through more than 40 photos from the TransPerfect Music City Bowl where the Boilermakers finished off the Tennessee Volunteers in a thrilling game that went into overtime. CLICK HERE
ALEXANDER AMONG 14 PURDUE PLAYERS TO EARN BIG TEN HONORS: David Bell and George Karlaftis represented Purdue football as members of the All-Big Ten first team. In total, 14 players were recognized before the postseason, and Bell was named the Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year. CLICK HERE