He was one of seven three stars signed in Alabama’s top-ranked 2016 recruiting class; however, his overall potential makes him a headline name moving forward. The final score mixed with orange, white and blue confetti tells one that Clemson won the College Football Playoff national title championship.
While the result was true, the gang in crimson held a 31-28 lead with 2:07 left in regulation. We applaud the effort from Jalen Hurts, but the final 10 yards of his 30-yard scamper was aided by a three-star prospect.
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) celebrates his fourth quarter touchdown with tight end Miller Forristall (87) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
A native of Cartersville, Ga., Miller Forristall was a January enrollee in 2016. After serving at quarterback, he moved to tight end during his senior year at Cartersville High School. Forristall would total 57 catches for 902 yards and 11 touchdowns, securing first team All-State honors from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
He recorded five receptions through 15 games in 2016, with one coming at a critical moment. The 6-foot-5, 225-pounder brought in a 22-yard pass in the third quarter versus Louisiana State University at Tiger Stadium.
Hurts located him along the sidelines for a connection that resulted in a first down, while the ball was inside Alabama’s 5-yard line. It was one of few chunk plays and one that helped the Tide defeat LSU, 10-0.
Forristall averaged 14.6 yards per catch (73 yards total) as a freshman and recorded a career-high three receptions in a 51-3 blowout victory over Mississippi State at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
He also accounted for a sound year blocking, assisting 10 100-yard rushers.
Tide fans will mourn the losses of O.J. Howard and former tight ends coach Mario Cristobal, but Forristall looks to provide them with much to cheer about in the years to come at Tuscaloosa.
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.
