Alabama’s offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin adds a new weapon to his arsenal, as Oregon State’s wide receiver Richard Mullaney will transfer to Tuscaloosa. Mullaney visited Alabama Monday and confirmed via Twitter that he is committed to the Crimson Tide.
Proud to announce that I just committed to the University of Alabama #RollTide
— Richard Mullaney (@Rmullaney08) June 16, 2015
The 6-foot-3, 209-pound Mullaney enters Alabama as a fifth-year senior. He’s obtained a degree from Oregon State, and has three years of game experience.
Mullaney caught 52 passes for 788 yards with three touchdowns in 2013. He’s totaled 1,160 yards and five touchdowns on 83 receptions during his tenure at Corvallis, Ore.
Alabama lost Amari Cooper, Christion Jones and DeAndrew White to the National Football League. Redshirt junior Chris Black returns, but he is the lone veteran wide out on its roster.
Mullaney possesses solid hands, speed and instincts. He has the toughness to make catches in traffic, and has proven to be a reliable target on third down situations. He excels at creating separation in the slot, however, Mullaney can get behind defenders with sudden acceleration.
He is used to having a quarterback with a big time arm. In his three seasons at Oregon State (2012-14), Mullaney caught passes from 6-foot-6, 229-pound Sean Mannion.
Mannion threw for 10,272 yards with 67 touchdowns and 36 interceptions from 2012-14.
He put in 4,662 yards with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2013. Mannion lacked mobility under head coach Mike Riley, but he made big time plays in the passing game.
Alabama’s senior quarterback Jake Coker, like Mannion, has exceptional arm strength.
Coker is more mobile than Mannion, but he has to develop consistency in his decision making. Whoever wins the starting job at quarterback for Alabama will benefit from Mullaney.
He gives the team another seasoned target that will be a safety valve in the fall. Sophomores Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart both look to be important factors, after a productive spring practice. Junior tight end O.J. Howard has bulked up, and is poised for a huge season.
Alabama returns much youth at wide receiver in 2015, but it reeled in experience by getting a commitment from Mullaney. Will his final year be productive in crimson and white?
Stephen M. Smith is a staff writer and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
