The Chiawana Riverhawks were 0-3 and many including the Hanford Falcons fans in week 1
were chanting "OVER-RATTED" !!
I had ranked them #1 in the power rankings and had no doubts about the talent they had. For some
reason they had trouble right out of the gate.
Alex Weber stepped on the scene last year in a spot vacated by a superb linebacker named Nick Vicent
who had gone on to graduate. Not only did he fill Vincent’s shoes he showed that he belonged and
emerged as a leader for Chiawana.
“Watching Vincent as a freshman I looked up to him in awe, he was my role model in every aspect of
the game, as was Jordan (Downing),” said Weber talking about guys he looked up to before he played
Varsity.
There was a lot of pressure on Alex Weber and he had help from another all state linebacker Jordan
Downing who was entering his senior year.
“To this day I look up to Jordan (Downing) his work ethic is incredible along with everything about
his talent. He somehow dealt with all my mistakes and would correct me in a way that I would
understand,” said Weber talking about Senior’s that made an impact on his sophomore year.
In Weber’s sophmore year he’d get tested early and often after Downing was lost for the year. He would become
a leader for Chiawana and he never looked back.
“When he (Downing) got hurt I knew somebody had to step up to lead the defense. Not just me but my
fellow teammate and sophomore Grady Graff stepped up and did the best to our knowledge and ability to lead the
team,” he added commenting about early challenges.
Chiawana would go undefeated in 2011 and would lose in playoffs to Central Valley.
In the 2012 offseason Alex Weber would gain over 35 pounds in muscle by working out in a variety of
different ways.
“I’ve been competing in MMA for a couple of years. It has helped tremendously with flexibility and
longevity with my muscles. It’s a great way to take out anger in a good way and I enjoy doing it. I also
saw Jordan training at Universe Gym Athletes with Mike Hazenberg and it really inspired me to go
especially seeing him get as big as he did. Mike helped me dramatically to put on weight throughout the
summer."
Because of all the hard work Weber has been impressive. Not only is he a heavy hitter but he is
deceptively fast. In fact I was told he is the fastest kid on the team.
Coach Pederson, Chiawana Linebackers Coach, timed Weber at 4.65 40 yard time. For a linebacker that’s fast at the pro level let alone only being a junior in high school.
Weber is 205 but with the same training regimen I anticipate he could be around 220-225. At the D1 level he can translate from LB-SS with his speed and if a big time program misses out he will have his chance to play Ivy League football.
You see Weber has carried a 4.0 and is on pace to collect his AA degree at the same time he receives his high school diploma as a part of the running start program at Columbia Basin College.
Yale contacts Weber every couple of weeks and WSU had him on the sidelines of one of their games as
they were warming up. ASU head football coach Todd Graham recently sent a hand written letter to
Weber.
Alex has been receiving interests from everywhere it seems now. Texas, Kansas State, TCU, UW,
Nebraska and many more as illustrated in this photo are closing in. They see what we see. A rising star who has his shot to go all the way.
Since starting 0-3 the young Riverhawks have ripped off a 6 game win streak. Weber only highlights a
team filled with young talent and a defense that has been the best in the MCC against the pass.
Alex Weber and the much improved #2 MCC Chiawana Riverhawks will play #1 GSL Gonzaga Prep Bull
Pups @ Joe Albi stadium (Spokane) at 7pm.
Alex Weber will play College football the only question is where?
You can watch his hudl film below. Best of Luck to he and his Riverhawks this week!
