2020 DB Xavion Alford talks Iowa State offer, what's up next

PEARLAND, Tex. -- Iowa State might not have been the first offer that 2020 Shadow Creek defensive back Xavion Alford thought he was going to pick up, but on Thursday, that is how he opened his recruitment.

Heading into this spring, he had been a prospect that many local coaches and trainers lauded as a player that is on the verge of breaking out, and picking up his first offer could be the tipping point to several others coming his way sooner than later. Alford has taken a few visits to the likes of Texas A&M and Texas State, among others, but could see things pick up with a couple of other Big 12 teams next.

“I’ve been talking to Texas Tech a lot,” he said. “Baylor too, they came up to see me and told me that I would be hearing something from them soon. Houston too, they want me to come up sometime this summer.”

Alford has been sharp on the camp and 7-on-7 circuit this spring and stands to help himself more this offseason if he can also string together a few more strong performances at prospect camps this summer. He also said that TCU has shown some signs of interest in the last few weeks.

On picking up his Iowa State offer

“It feels good; like the hard work is starting to pay off,” he said. “I’m happy for my family, mostly, that my mom doesn’t have to pay for college anymore … it’s a little far to be thinking about taking a visit right now, but I’m sure they’ll be back down here soon.”

On Baylor

“I was told that he’s keeping an eye on me,” he said. “He was through on Friday and I think that he was able to watch some clips on me from spring and liked what he saw. In the summertime I am going to try and make it out there and I feel like he wants me to come out there.”

On Texas A&M

“I’ve been talking to them a lot,” he said. “Coach (Mike) Elko told me that they like what they see in me and to just keep it up. I should be getting that call soon if I keep doing what I’m doing, and I think I’ll be heading out there to camp in the summer.”

On Texas Tech

“The DB coach had been out here to watch our spring practice,” he said. “I know that he was taking a close look at me when I was out there running through some drills and I hope I can spend some time talking with him, getting to know him.”

Things are just getting cooking for Alford, who likely won’t have to wait much longer for more offers to start coming in. So far he has shown flashes of what he’s capable of, but as his instincts in coverage get quicker, he has the potential to be a special and versatile defensive back. Shadow Creek is loaded with talented secondary recruits and regardless of how many offers he finishes the spring with, he’ll have a great opportunity in the fall to show what he’s capable of.