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Alabama Crimson Tide

Nick Saban on how Jaylen Waddle has grown the most since last season

Michael Wayne Bratton

By Michael Wayne Bratton

Published:

It didn’t take long for Jaylen Waddle to emerge as Mac Jones’ go-to target over the weekend in Alabama’s season opener against Missouri.

The junior receiver registered eight catches for 134 yards and two touchdowns, and came just inches away from a third touchdown in the opener in Columbia, and even managed to make a spectacular catch with two Mizzou defensive backs closing in for a big hit.

Of course, Waddle took the hit and made the catch, showing he’s far more than just a flashy slot receiver.

That’s something Nick Saban noted during his Monday press conference after reviewing the film of Alabama’s 38-19 win over Missouri.

The way Saban sees it, Waddle has really taken his game to the next level this offseason.

“Oh, he’s fun to watch, that’s for sure,” Saban said of Waddle. “Whether it is on punt return, kickoff return, playing on the field. I think the big thing that Jalen has sort of expanded his role and his game, is he can play all the positions at receiver now. We can move them around. Before he was mostly a slot guy. But now he can make plays anywhere on the field and I think that’s very helpful.

“You know guys like him you know you expect people to try to double guys like him. So when you can move them around that makes a little bit more difficult for the defense. This guy’s got great energy, plays with great enthusiasm, loves to play, great competitor, really a joy to be around.”

Well, not for the rest of the SEC, but you know what Saban meant.

Michael Wayne Bratton

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com

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