Hard-hitting 4-star S Xavion Alford signs with Texas

The Texas Longhorns added a dynamic playmaker on defense as Pearland Shadow Creek safety Xavion Alford signed his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday.

Landing the talented safety was a coup for the Longhorns, as Texas won the head-to-head battle for his services against rival Texas A&M prior to the 2019 season.

The man dubbed the 100-yard Landlord was a huge piece for the Shadow Creek defense his junior season, the Sharks’ first year playing varsity football. In their inaugural season, Alford racked up 60 tackles, 20 broken up passes and six interceptions, including a pick-six. Alford’s senior season ended due to injury, while his teammates continued their march toward a state championship.

Alford’s primary contribution for the Sharks was in run support from the safety spot, with an ability to make open-field tackles and lay a big hit on receivers to separate them from the ball. He was highly opportunistic in pass coverage, making the most of tipped passes and badly-thrown balls, with speed and range that could potentially accelerate his development in on the Forty Acres.

Measuring 6’0 and 197 pounds, Alford’s frame will likely take on more muscle as he develops under the Texas strength and conditioning program as he plans on a December enrollment to participate in spring practice.

The No. 133 player in the country is one of just three defensive back commitments in the class, including fellow safety Jerrin Thompson from Lufkin. With a ton of talent already on campus for Texas, barring injury the newcomers should likely be afforded an opportunity to develop with a redshirt season in 2020.