Alabama’s co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Michael Locklsey carries a fun, yet determined personality. Since 1996, he has served on offense for 20-plus years — including eight as a play caller at the University of Illinois (2005-08) and University of Maryland (2012-15).
Arrelious Bend and Stefon Diggs benefitted from Locksley, seeing how both became star players in the National Football League. While the main objective is to achieve balance, the Crimson Tide’s offensive attack will also hinge on creating ways to get multiple receivers involved.
Calvin Ridley returns as one of the team’s leaders.
His freshman year was filled with marquee moments, and he still led the Tide in receptions (72) last season despite not having 1,000 yards. Signing Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Tyrell Shavers and Henry Ruggs III in the 2017 recruiting class was huge, but even combining that with Ridley and Cam Sims returning is not the most exciting aspect in Tuscaloosa. Thus far in fall practice, a former five-star prospect has added a new element to his game .
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
