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NFLSU: The 10 biggest LSU Tigers NFL Draft busts

By John Fye

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vanderbilt defensive end Dennis Harrison (77) grabbed LSU tailback Charles Alexander (4) to make the stop. The Commodores lost 28-15 in Nashville Oct. 8, 1977.Title Sec Classic Vandy Vs Lsu
Vanderbilt defensive end Dennis Harrison (77) grabbed LSU tailback Charles Alexander (4) to make the stop. The Commodores lost 28-15 in Nashville Oct. 8, 1977.Title Sec Classic Vandy Vs Lsu /

No. 5 – Charles Alexander, RB

Selected 12th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 1979 NFL Draft

Charles Alexander failed to launch because he wasn’t as talented as his LSU Tigers tenure led on. Such fact is tough to admit because the record-setting SEC running back overcame incredible odds to reach NFL Draft.

Alexander ran for 4,085 yards and 40 touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry with the LSU Tigers. Moreover, his career was highlighted by his 1,686 yards and 17 touchdowns in 1977. His yardage was an LSU Tigers’ single-season record until 2015.

Ultimately, Alexander’s time in Baton Rouge earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame. That is not bad for a guy that was hardly recruited coming out of high school.

The Cincinnati Bengals anticipated a 1,000-yard rusher when they drafted Alexander at pick 12. However, the Galveston (TX) native never outperformed the Bengals’ running back depth chart to win a feature role. Alexander is credited with 73 NFL starts in 102 games over seven seasons.

Alexander’s most productive pro season was in 1980 when he rushed for 702 yards and two touchdowns.

The lesson learned with Charles Alexander is simple: not all collegiate superstars transition to NFL superstars. Alexander undoubtedly worked hard to make it to the NFL, but in the end, his talent didn’t give him the edge he enjoyed while in Death Valley.

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