Vanderbilt RB Sedrick Alexander one of 20 Texans on Commodores roster itching to knock off state’s flagship Longhorns

Every player on every team needs to find their own motivation. For most college athletes from the state of Texas, playing against the Texas Longhorns is a huge motivator all on its own.

The Horns recruit nationally for all of its 21 varsity sports. They can’t get every native Texan that wants to wear burnt orange.

Vanderbilt running back Sedrick Alexander was a three-star recruit from Austin LBJ. He’s one of three Austin products among the 20 Texans on the Commodores’ roster. Alexander was the SEC’s leading rusher among all freshmen last season and a rising star in Nashville.

“We don’t really talk about that specifically, but I have thought about it,” Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. “I think anytime you’re playing against the flagship university of a home state, I mean, I think that there's something that is personal about that. And so, I would imagine those guys are excited.”

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Alexander was listed as questionable on Wednesday’s SEC availability report. Still, the sophomore tallied a career-high 21 carries against Alabama on Oct. 5 and had two rushing touchdowns. But it’s been a slog all season long. He’s rushed for 380 yards total, averaging four yards per attempt.

While those numbers wouldn’t impress typical Texas fans, Lea believes in holding the ball as long as possible, turning every drive into long, successful crawl toward the end zone.

“He’s kind of been a bright spot for us both in how he conducts his business day in and day out. The person he is first is where I’d focus,” Lea said. “He’s got a great family, got a great spirit. He’s like all young people. He’s growing into himself. And I think that’s such an important part of this four years.

“Certainly in flashes last year, we are really excited about his skill set. Think a lot of that has surfaced this year. He’s added physical components to his game that, I think, make him a really well rounded back and it’s just a second year. There are so many great things ahead for him and we’re glad he’s here.”

Alexander’s family will have plenty of company in the visitor’s section this Saturday.

Edge rusher Hayden Bray transferred to Vanderbilt after earning his degree at Oklahoma. He’s working on a Master’s degree in leadership and organizational performance. Quarterback Drew Dickey is also from Regents School. Safety Jalen Gilbert from Round Rock, an Austin suburb to the north, has played in every game this season on special teams.