This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Former Utah State standout Maurice Alexander isn't picky, he just wants any shot at playing in the NFL. But if the St. Louis Rams make him their man in the upcoming NFL draft, well, he can't think of a better team in which the St. Louis native could represent. "That would be a dream come true," he said. "I love the tradition and the way they treat their players and I know my mom would be happy too." Alexander is familiar with the Rams' home facility too, although not in the way many think. A transfer from Arizona Western College, Alexander spent part of 2012 working as a member of the cleaning crew that took care of the Edward Jones Dome. That he could now get a chance to work in the dome in a more traditional football capacity is a chance that has Alexander thrilled. St. Louis, Baltimore and Carolina are among the teams that have shown interest in the safety who ran a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash at USU's pro day. Alexander is projected to go in the seventh round or as a free agent, so he knows it could be a while until he hears his name is called, but he doesn't mind the wait. He just wants a chance to prove himself. The 6-foot-1 Alexander has slimmed down a few pounds to 217, a weight that makes him even lighter on his feet, he said. "I've been trying to keep my mind right and have kept working hard," he said. "I've been running a lot every day and doing everything my trainer tells me. I work out every day except Sunday and it has been a grind but I feel great." He feels he has done everything he needs to do to be ready, now he just needs the call. "If you get your name called, you know it's going to be an emotional day," he said. "This is something you prepare for your whole life and it would be a dream come true, a blessing, to get a chance." - Lya Wodraska