Alabama returns talent, but it will lack experience at the wide receiver position in 2015. Former receiver Amari Cooper accounted for 80 percent of the Crimson Tide’s offense last season. He turned in 124 catches for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns. DeAndrew White and Christion Jones were complementary targets. White finished second on the team in receptions (40), yards (540) and touchdowns (4), but both receivers ended their careers with 1,000+ yards.
Chris Black, a Florida native, returns next season as Alabama most experienced wide out. The redshirt sophomore totaled 188 yards (12.0 yards per catch) on 15 catches in 11 games last season. Alabama’s meeting with Western Carolina saw Black at his highest level. He led the team with six receptions for 101 yards, in the absence of Cooper (knee) and White (hamstring).
A former four-star prospect, Black arrived at the University of Alabama as a freshman in 2012. He participated in spring drills as an early enrollee, and had a solid A-Day performance. His 44-yard touchdown reception from Phillip Sims helped the White team defeat the Crimson team, 24-15. A breakout season was expected, but Black injured his shoulder in fall camp (August).
The injury caused Black to redshirt his freshman season. He watched fellow Florida native, Amari Cooper dominate college football in 2012. Alabama’s matchup against Ole Miss proved to be all the motivation Cooper would need. He caught 8 passes for 84 yards with two touchdowns, and didn’t look back. Cooper ended the season with 59 catches for 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Black returned in 2013 as a redshirt freshman. He backed up Christion Jones as a slot receiver in eight games. His footwork, speed and hands instantly attracted attention. Black’s first career touchdown reception was against Colorado State, a 14-yard strike from Blake Sims.
He came off the bench in Alabama’s homecoming game against Georgia State, displaying his best outing. Black caught six passes for 54 yards and a touchdown in the Crimson Tide’s 45-3 victory over the Panthers. Chattanooga witnessed Black do damage as a runner and receiver. He collected 42 all-purpose yards, including a 31-yard rushing touchdown. Black ended the season with eight receptions for 79 yards and two scores.
He has improved as a route runner, possessing the capabilities as a slot receiver and a deep ball target. Black looks to be a dependable weapon for whoever is under center in 2015. O.J. Howard, Cam Sims and ArDarius Stewart all will be involved more, but now is the time for Black. Second chances come seldom, but 2015 provides Black with a leadership role and a chance to prove why he was the most coveted receiver out of Florida in 2012.
