HAMMOND, La. -- This time last year, Edwin Alexander never thought he would be standing in front of his classmates, friends, family and members of the St. Thomas Aquinas High School community accepting a spot in the Under Armour All-American Game.

You see, after a sparkling sophomore season that saw the defensive tackle rack up more than 40 tackles for a loss and 15 sacks, Alexander tore the meniscus in his right knee last April at a recruiting camp and spent most of his junior season sidelined with recurring knee issues.

Alexander figured there was going to be no way he would be honored as one of the best high school football players and top recruits in the country still. But Alexander continued to work hard in rehab, had a strong summer and quickly bounced back to become the dominating player that was worthy of All-America honors.

“This is a dream come true,” Alexander, a longtime LSU commitment that ranks as the 20^th overall player in the country, said. “I thought there was no way I was going to get a spot. They talked to me about playing in the game as a sophomore and then after my junior year, I thought it wasn’t going to happen. I knew if I kept working hard, everything would work out. I wasn’t going to give up on my dream.”

"This is a dream come true." #LSU DT commit Edwin Alexander on being honored as an #UAAllAmerica selection. pic.twitter.com/TQU2zwVdAV

— Jeremy Crabtree (@jeremycrabtree) November 12, 2015

Edwin Alexander would like to take trips to #FSU, #Ducks. Asked if would be hard to lure away from #LSU, said "Yes." pic.twitter.com/TNmm6YPDD4

— Jeremy Crabtree (@jeremycrabtree) November 12, 2015

Coach John White said Alexander has proven he belongs with the nation’s elite with his play this season. After playing at a high-level in the first five games, Alexander “absolutely destroyed New Orleans Carver” by racking up eight tackles for a loss and four sacks.

“The old Edwin was back,” White said. “He was just bowling over people. That was the game where we all saw why he is an All-American. It was a special performance, by a special player.”

Alexander hopes to continue his strong play in the practices leading up to the game in Orlando. He says he really is excited to challenge and test himself against the nation’s best offensive line prospects, but he also wants to leave with the title of the nation’s best defensive tackle.

“Rashan Gary, I’m coming for you,” Alexander said in reference to the nation’s top overall recruit and best defensive tackle. “That’s a big goal of mine in the game and practices. I want to work hard and do everything I can to improve my ranking and learn everything I can from the great coaches.”

Alexander said he remains committed to LSU, but is still open to looking at other schools and is hoping to still take official visits before signing day. He would like to take visits to Florida State and Oregon and is also talking with Mississippi State. His teammate, Cameron Dantzler, is committed to the Bulldogs. When asked if it would take a lot for him to change his mind, Alexander had an emphatic reply.

“Yes,” he said. “It would take a lot to get me to change my mind.”