Louisville had one preseason first-team All-American, and it was not Heisman-winner Lamar Jackson. It was defensive back Jaire Alexander.

Alexander, who was injured while trying to return a blocked field goal in Louisville's opening game of the season, has hardly played for the Cardinals this season.

The junior corner who is considered by many to be one of the most-talented defensive backs in the nation, could return against Virginia this weekend.

"Oh, man, I'm feeling great," Alexander said on the Bobby Petrino Radio Show on 840 WHAS Wednesday night. "I'm feeling the best I have felt. This bye week has really helped me as far as recovery and I am ready to go out there and go get it."

Alexander missed five games before returning for a few plays against NC State. Then he broke a bone in his hand during practice and has missed Louisville's last three games.

"It's getting pretty challenging, not being out there with my teammates," Alexander said. "Seeing them go through the grind and me not being out there, it really hurt at times. But special thanks to the training staff and my teammates who supported me through this long journey of recovery. And I'm happy to be back out there."

Louisville coach Bobby Petrino said Alexander was playing his best football in Spring and fall practice and appeared to be poised for a big season before the injury. The initial knee injury occurred on a play that could have been whistled dead had Alexander not picked up the blocked kick and tried to run with it.

"The toughest part was knowing that the play could have been avoided," Alexander explained. "I could have avoided certain things to maybe change the outcome. (It's just) tough not being out there with my teammates."