Alabama is without its first unit of wide receivers, as Amari Cooper, Christion Jones and DeAndrew White are in the National Football League. It returns redshirt junior Chris Black and acquired fifth-year senior Richard Mullaney from Oregon State, but sophomores Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart could be the talented tandem for the Crimson Tide this fall.

Foster and Stewart emerged in spring practice in the absence of fellow sophomore wide receiver Cam Sims (knee). Both players totaled 100+ receiving yards in Alabama’s spring game, and Stewart brought in two touchdown receptions off quarterbacks Jake Coker and Blake Barnett.

ArDarius Stewart, UA receiver
Photo by: TDAL Magazine

Stewart saw action in 13 games last season as a redshirt freshman.

He caught 12 passes for 149 yards, and averaged 12.4 yards per catch. His speed and acceleration in the slot or as a deep threat earned him playing time against Mississippi State in 2014. Stewart totaled 25 yards on two receptions. A native of Fultondale, Ala., Stewart was a consensus four-star athlete upon enrolling at Alabama in 2013. He stands at 6-foot-1, 204 pounds, and has the potential to be that speed receiver for the Crimson Tide.

Robert Foster, UA receiver
Photo by: TDAL Magazine

Foster played in nine games last season as a redshirt freshman.

He entered Alabama in 2013, as one of the most coveted wide receivers coming out of high school, however, Foster struggled with consistency in 2014. He brought in six passes for 44 yards, and averaged 7.3 yards per catch. Foster has matured into a coachable player, and looks to be the vertical receiver that Alabama needs this fall. A native of Monaca, Pa., Foster was a five-star prospect according to 247 sports and Scout.com. He stands at 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, and will look to be the team’s second option at wide receiver, opposite Chris Black.

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 on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.