Who will step up at receiver behind DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle? Nick Saban sees several options on his roster
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We all know the damage DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle can do to defenses but it remains to be seen which receivers on Alabama’s roster will step up and help those two standout receivers the most this season.
It’s not as if options are limited but time is running out for players to impress the Alabama coaching staff with the Crimson Tide now in Week 3 of training camp. Nick Saban recently offered up his take on the receivers that have made the most of their opportunities so far in camp.
Starting with some familiar faces, Saban praised sophomore John Metchie and redshirt sophomore Slade Bolden as two players that have had a nice camp.
“I think we have several receivers that are doing a nice job,” Saban said during his most recent media availability. “Obviously, we lost two great players and we have two great players coming back — and those two guys are both playing like great players. Metchie has done a really, really good job. So, we have a lot of confidence in him. Slade Bolden has done a good job. We have confidence in him. So, those are the experienced guys.”
Of course, fans always get excited to talk about new additions, and thus far in camp, the freshman that has stood out the most has been Javon Baker, according to the Alabama coach.
“And then these freshmen, Javon Baker has shown promise,” Saban mentioned. “I think they all have, I just think they need to develop consistency in A: knowing what to do, and B: going out there and playing with confidence. So far, Baker’s had the most continuity. He’s missed the least amount of practices, he’s been out there the most, he’s a very competitive guy. So, he’s done a good job so far.
“But I’m pleased with that entire core. Xavier Williams has shown improvement. The whole group, I think, has shown some marked improvement from last year, and they all need to continue to grow and develop, but I’m kinda pleased with the group.”
It must be nice to have the ability to name so many players as breakout candidates for the offense this season. That’s the luxury of having a roster as deep and talented as Alabama’s entering the season.
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
