Ryan Grubb identifies rising wideout as one of fastest Alabama players
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Rico Scott played in 4 games as a freshman for Alabama last season. He had a 28-yard rushing attempt and a 31-yard reception, flashing some big-play ability.
In Year 2, that might be on display more often.
The redshirt freshman receiver from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, came up several times on Thursday following Day 2 of fall camp for the Crimson Tide. Wideout Germie Bernard — a budding leader in the receiver room this year — told reporters that Scott was clocked at 23.5 miles per hour this offseason.
“That guy has put in a lot of work within the weight room, with the off-the-field stuff,” Bernard said, per BamaOnLine’s Charlie Potter. “He’s just continued to improve.”
Alabama has a deep receiver room, so finding opportunities for Scott to stay on the football field will be challenging at times. Bernard, a former blue-chip recruit who led Alabama in receptions last season, is back alongside the dynamic Ryan Williams. And Alabama added Isaiah Horton from Miami in the offseason to form a complementary triumverate atop the two-deep.
But, Scott has seemingly gained some trust with his coaching staff this offseason by putting his head down and working. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb praised Scott as a well-rounded, rising pass-catcher.
“His body transformation even from this winter when I got here to now,” Grubb said. “he’s become… “I think he was one of the guys who hit the top speed this summer, so (he’s) one of our fastest guys on the team. Super physical player, willing to run through people. And then level of detail he has on his route running, for a young player, and the versatility (to) play inside, outside. He’s going to be a presence this year.”
A willingness to block for teammates will separate receivers in a deep room. Though offseason departures from Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law cleared a path to playing time in the rotation, Scott will be battling with Jalen Hale, Cole Adams, and Jaylen Mbakwe for snaps.
“You want to have a deep, talented room,” Grubb said. “We certainly have that Alabama.”
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
