Norman High 2024 RB Devin Alexander carrying the load more this season for Tigers

Alexander instrumental in Tigers' first postseason win in more than a decade

NORMAN, OKLAHOMA - Leading by three points late in their playoff game Thursday night, Norman was looking to put the game away against Broken Arrow. 

Not wanting to put the ball in the air, coach Rocky Martin turned to his offensive line and tailback to secure the program’s first playoff win in 11 years.

However, Broken Arrow knew what was coming as well and seemed prepared. But that didn’t matter because Devin Alexander was still able to come up with crucial runs to help move the chains and take time off the clock for NHS.

“Coming out in the second half, we knew we were going to have to step it up and my OC (offensive coordinator) told me I'm going to get the ball quite a few times,” Alexander said. “So I knew I had to step up for the team.

"My mindset coming into this game was I just wanted to be dominant, leave everything on the field, have no regrets and I feel like that's what I did.”

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The 5-foot-8, 160-pound Alexander finished the night with 21 carries for 113 yards and a touchdown in Norman's 21-18 win. The rest of the team combined for 18 carries.

But when Alexander wasn't carrying the rock, he turned into the lead blocker for fellow senior Dax Noles.

To know that the coaching staff had faith in him to carry the load in a crucial postseason contest meant a lot to Alexander.

“It's an honor,” Alexander said. “I'm glad that they have that much faith in me. I'm blessed and I just love being a part of this team.”

Norman High tailback Devin Alexander (1) blocks for teammate Dax Noles during the Tigers' first-round Class 6AI playoff win against Broken Arrow on Nov. 9, 2023

According to Martin, that is what the Tigers have done all season. With a weapon like Alexander, who has top-level track speed, putting the ball in his hands is a no-brainer.

“I think our offensive line has done a good job and obviously Devin, every time he touches the ball, he's dangerous,” Martin said. “You never know.

"He's really close every time he touches it to break (free) and when he breaks, no one's going to catch him.”

In 2022, Alexander watched as their talented quarterback Tias McClarty did a lot of the heavy lifting offensively with 1,510 yards. Alexander was second on the team with 556.

But after McClarty graduated and Norman became a more balanced attack, Alexander knew it was his turn to carry the load.

On the season, Alexander has racked up more than 1,110 yards and 12 touchdowns to become one of top tailbacks in Class 6A.

“I feel like I've left a pretty good legacy,” Alexander said. “I think I'm one of the better backs that Norman High has had and I just want to keep going as long as I can.”

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Martin agrees with Alexander’s assessment.

“I think just over the last two years, watching him get stronger and stronger. That's the thing. He's always had great speed, but I think he's running with confidence now and that's the biggest difference,” Martin said.

“Every time he's touching the ball, I think he's thinking he could score and that's a confidence thing. So, he's done a really good job.”

Alexander wants to continue his football career when his days at Norman High come to an end. He has offers from Central Oklahoma, Central Missouri and East Central.

“I plan on going to play football at the next level,” Alexander said. “I don't know where yet, but I do plan on playing at the next level.”

But for now, Alexander is looking to extend his prep career. The Tigers will face a stiffer challenge in the second round this Friday when they take on No. 1 Bixby, the defending 6AI champions, on the road.

“We just play our game. We just go step by step,” Alexander said. “We don't want to overthink it.

"We've just got to be physical on both sides of the ball and just keep playing.” 

-- Michael Kinney | @SBLiveOK