In the second preseason game for the Detroit Lions, wide receiver and return specialist Maurice Alexander has started to emerge as a player to watch.
Alexander, who began his professional career with the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars in the spring of 2022, signed with the Lions just seventeen days ago and is already making a name for himself.
In the second quarter against the Colts, Alexander took a kickoff return 61 yards before being hit out of bounds. With some solid blocking by his fellow special teamers, he was able to make two defenders miss before being tackled at the opposing 45-yard line.
Big return from @_hardtime3! #DETvsIND 📺 Lions TV Network pic.twitter.com/dX0i17lwr2
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) August 20, 2022
On the very next kickoff, he took the ball for another long run of 46 yards before being taken down.
In the first half of the game, he recorded just one reception for four yards on offense. On special teams, however, he had four kickoff returns for 156 yards and an average of 38 yards per return.
What was most notable about his performance is that he got the nod at kick and punt returner over players who held those roles last year, such as Godwin Igwebuike and Kalif Raymond.
Alexander initially went undrafted in 2020 out of FIU and didn’t play again until he was drafted by the Stars in the inaugural USFL draft. With Philadelphia, he was named an all-USFL player for his performances both on offense and special teams.
