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Xavion Alford announces transfer to USC

Alford was the Class of 2019’s eighth-ranked safety

By Cam Mellor

The USC Trojans secondary got a bit better this past weekend when former Texas Longhorns safety Xavion Alford announced his decision to transfer west.

Alford played in just two games this season for Texas, playing the majority of those snaps against UTEP in the first game of the season. He recorded just a handful of tackles but enters the USC secondary as the former eighth-ranked safety in the class of 2019.

According to 247Sports, he projects as a potential Day 3 NFL draft prospect and compares to Eddie Jackson of the Chicago Bears.

His recruiting evaluation from back in 2018:

Productive safety with an above-average frame relative to projected position. Possesses above-average height and the frame space to add bulk in college. Flashes good ball skills that manifest in strong production vs. the pass. High-points jump balls like a receiver. Owns a bigger catch radius thanks to frame. Around the ball a lot. High ceiling as a hitter thanks to downhill acceleration and frame potential. Tracks downfield throws well. Athletic enough to keep up with most receivers at the high school level. Can improve on-field strength. Does not always provide expected point-of-impact power against the run. Can get better in tackling technique consistency. Long-strider who can improve fluidity. Doesn’t always take the best pursuit angles against the run. High-major safety prospect who should become quality starter at the Power 5 level with long-term NFL Draft potential.

Alford was recruited to Texas by now-USC safeties coach Craig Naivar, who coached the same position at Texas with now defensive coordinator Todd Orlando.

During his final season in high school in Texas, Alford recorded 20 pass breakups and six interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. He’s a dynamic player and should fit in nicely with what the Trojans do in the secondary. Alford can play in the slot and in the box as well as a free safety, so his positional versatility should come in handy.

Welcome to the Trojan family, Xavion!

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