TUSCALOOSA—Regardless of not obtaining the stats that most thought he would have, patience has proven to be Gehrig Dieter’s best asset. His aiding of others to the end zone paid off for him last week, as the Indiana native finally caught Jalen Hurts’ attention. Prior to Alabama, Dieter was the star attraction at Bowling Green.
He totaled 94 catches for 1,033 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2015; becoming one of just three wide receivers to do that. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, Dieter had one touchdown grab before facing Chattanooga.
Ex-Tide quarterback Blake Barnett found him on a 45-yard strike in week one against Southern California, helping Alabama earn a 52-6 win. His final numbers weren’t jaw-dropping, however, Dieter brought in two of Hurts’ three touchdown passes in a 31-3 victory over the Mocs. Both scores were attributed to Dieter’s ability to uncover in the end zone, while working back to a scrambling Hurts. Sophomore Calvin Ridley was the first to congratulate the graduate transfer on his first multi-touchdown performance as a Crimson Tide target.
“It felt really good,” Dieter said to the media on his score. “We came out a little slow, but we picked it up in the second half. I do think we will be playing a lot better next week.”
In the run game, Dieter blocked for 196 yards and a score on 37 carries. As much as Nick Saban enjoys the X’s and O’s, he’s far more concerned about how players perform their roles as opposed to just numerical data. When asked about the lack of production from Dieter this season, Saban immediately defended his player.
“I think the guy (Gehrig Dieter) has done a fantastic job for us,” he said.
“From my expectation, he’s done a really good job for us. He’s done a great job of blocking and does everything we ask him to do. I think he dropped one pass early in the year that would have been a big play, but otherwise, I think he has done a good job. I have a lot of confidence in him.”
Certainly, Dieter’s touchdowns couldn’t have come at a better time. As Alabama shifts its attention to Auburn and the postseason, he will gain more of a connection with Hurts.
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.
