By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

Xe'Ree Alexander has no problem getting ready for the 10 a.m. Thursday opening of fall practices for his University of Washington football team.

It is his senior season as a linebacker for the Huskies, and the Kennedy Catholic graduate is coming off a season that was capped off by him winning the Most Valuable Player award in the UW's 38-10 victory over Boise State in the LA Bowl.

"It felt great," Alexander said.  "That was a blessing for sure."

Alexander hopes for more big things for himself and the highly regarded Huskies in 2026 and in the January 2027 national playoff picture.

"I can't wait," he said.  "The defense is going to play phenomenal and the offense, too."

But first comes a lot of practice time leading up to the UW's 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 opener against Washington State University.

"All of us are prepared already," Alexander said of Thursday's launch of practices.  "We've been ready for this moment for a long time.   Overall it's just amazing."

Alexander had no trouble choosing Washington coming off a high school career in which he helped Kennedy Catholic win a state title.

"It's my home team," he said.  "That and the coaches, too.  I feel this program can get me to the next level in the NFL."

Brian Odom serves as the Huskies' coach for Alexander and the linebackers.

"He has a good skill set in what he can provide," Odom said of Alexander.