Most eyes are fixated on four and five-star recruits because of certain potential and expectations. When everything flows properly, a coach sees production from a big time prospect.
If certain achievements are not reached, a sense of entitlement builds and players start to lose interest.
Resiliency, loyalty and a competitive nature are three things most coaches will find in prospects that may not have been highly-touted. These are the players that approach each game with a chip on their shoulders, desiring an opportunity to prove themselves worthy of donning a uniform.
Graduate transfer Richard Mullaney has been that type of player for Alabama all season. A native of Thousand Oaks, Calif., Mullaney was not heavily recruited out of high school.
A former three-star recruit, he received offers from only six schools, Oregon State, Colorado State, New Mexico, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Mullaney, who then stood at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, decided to enroll at Oregon State in 2011. He would become a primary target for Beavers’ quarterback Sean Mannion, totaling 83 receptions for 1,160 yards and five scores from 2012-14.
A chance to play for a conference title and a national championship is what Mullaney wanted. He obtained his degree from Oregon State in the summer, but still had a year of eligibility left.
Mullaney, who had now grown to 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, decided to come to Alabama for a visit. He fell in love with the campus, coaching staff and players, which resulted in him committing to the team during the summer. Mullaney was initially brought in to be a possession receiver; however, he has been one of Jacob Coker’s more trustworthy playmakers.
Mullaney was honored on senior day with his mother and father both receiving a football and a picture with Alabama head coach Nick Saban. The senior wide out honored fans and the coaching staff with an incredible touchdown reception last week against Charleston Southern.
He caught just one pass, but it went for a 21-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Coker located Mullaney in the back of the endzone, and he elevates over a Buccaneers’ defensive back to make the catch.
Mullaney had complete possession of the ball throughout the catch and got a foot in bounds. Bryant-Denny Stadium erupted with joy after seeing Mullaney’s effort.
He was given one year at Alabama, yet the California lad has made the most of it. Mullaney has even earned a nickname.
His teammates refer to him as “Slotty Pippen” due to his exceptional ability to read coverages, catch the ball and move the chains as a slot receiver.
Mullaney stands with 29 catches this season for 282 yards and four touchdowns. He and the Crimson Tide will face Auburn next week at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
