TUSCALOOSA, Ala.| After what took place on last week, Alabama’s coaching staff will continue to stockpile athletes from Carver High School (Montgomery, Ala.). True freshman Lyndell “Mack” Wilson joined Shaun Dion Hamilton—another alumnus of Carver—in the Crimson Tide’s top-ranked 2016 recruiting class. Despite garnering a five-star rating at linebacker, Wilson’s athleticism has opened doors for him on offense at fullback.
He led Bo Scarbrough into the end zone against Ole Miss, and found himself in the perfect spot to make an impact against Kent State. A spine-shattering tackle or sack is what a capacity crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium would expect from a defensive player, however, it saw something even better. As planned, Wilson lined up at fullback on second and goal from the one-yard line. Jalen Hurts was looking for O.J. Howard, but rolling to his right bought Wilson enough time to create space from Kent State’s outside linebacker, Nick Cuthbert. Hurts fired a pass in between both Cuthbert and James Alexander, hitting Wilson in the right corner of the end zone.
TD!! @iam__mw3o #BamavsKentSt #MacTruck pic.twitter.com/laHUVKHrYZ
— InsideBamaRecruiting (@RTRnews) September 24, 2016
Howard and the Tide’s offensive line were first to congratulate Wilson, as he became the fifth defensive player to score at least one touchdown this season. His score, which came in the third quarter, wrapped up a 48-0 win over the Golden Flashes. Coach Nick Saban addressed the media after Saturday’s game, concerning the play.
He said the formation was for anyone who was in the position in question, but was happy with the outcome.
“Mack Wilson has been playing in goal line and short yardage situations all season in that formation,” Saban said. “That’s his position. That’s what he plays. He made a nice catch.”
Cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick knew about Wilson’s scoring opportunity. While he created havoc in Kent State’s backfield (1.5 sacks, 1.5 tackles), Fitzpatrick told reporters on what he and Wilson discussed in practice.
“He actually told me earlier this week, ‘Hey man, I’m going to score a touchdown,” Fitzpatrick said on Wilson.
Outside linebacker Ryan Anderson was another player that spoke on Wilson after the game.
“It’s good when you get to see young guys score,” Anderson said.
“Just to see them getting the plays and shining is great.”
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 @Smsmith_TDALMag.
