TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– The numbers don’t look like much if you are huge on stats, but Gehrig Dieter’s performance in an offensive struggle showcased effort and was worthwhile.
A native of South Bend, Ind., he took to Tropicana Field for the 92nd annual East-West Shrine Game on Saturday at St. Petersburg, Fla. Despite a trio of quarterback totaling 190 passing yards (5.4 yards per attempt) for Team East, Dieter caught a game-high four receptions for 28 yards.
The utility man for Alabama football in 2016 grabbed two passes on a scoring drive in the second quarter, including one that resulted in a first down. He recorded a tackle in kickoff coverage, and served as a gunner on the punt team. During his one season with the Crimson Tide, he turned in 15 catches for 214 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Dieter assisted an offense that led the Southeastern Conference in points (38.8) and total yards (455.3), while finishing second in rushing yards (245) per game. He blocked for 10 100-yard rushers, and assisted running back Damien Harris to a 1,000-yard season (1,037, two touchdowns).
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.
