He and his family will have a decision to make after this season, but Michael Locksley has been exactly what Nick Saban and Alabama needed on offense.
After serving as an offensive analysts, wide receivers’ coach and co-offensive coordinator, the Maryland native took the reins at play caller and has coached unarguably the most entertaining group of elite stars in Crimson Tide history. With Locksley working the magic, the Tide carries the nation’s third-ranked scoring offense (48.7 ppg) and third-ranked total offense (541.5 ypg).
He has scripted a unit that tallies six 50-point games and two 60-point contests, while posting a conversion rate of 54.2 percent (65 of 120) on third down – the highest of the Saban era. Along with finding his safe haven in Tide football, Locksley has been recognized as a semifinalist for the Broyles Award.
Named after former Arkansas athletic director, Frank Broyles, the honor is bestowed upon the best assistant coach in college football.
Congratulations, Coach Locksley on being selected as a semifinalist for the @BroylesAward!#OutworkYesterday#RollTide pic.twitter.com/dvxR3zBjOb
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) November 20, 2018
Despite having 20-plus years coaching offense, Locksley has had his most talented teams at the University of Alabama. The 48-year-old has tutored sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to breakout season, totaling 2,865 passing yards with 35 total touchdowns to two interceptions.
Tagovailoa supplanted former Alabama signal-caller, AJ McCarron for most scoring passes in a single-season with 31.
He is two touchdowns shy of surpassing Jalen Hurts (36, in 2016) to have the record of total scores responsible for in a season. Kyler Murray of Oklahoma has closed the gap in the Heisman race, but Tagovailoa is a finalist both Davey O’Brien and Maxwell awards.
Behind the scenes, Locksley adds balance in the play-calling.
Running backs Damien Harris and Najee Harris each have 600-plus yards, and Josh Jacobs anchors the group with nine rushing touchdowns. Jerry Jeudy has greatly benefitted from Locksley as he leads the team in receiving with 51 catches for 1,002 yards and 10 scores.
Jeudy is a finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award and joins standouts Julio Jones, Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley as the fourth 1,000-yard receiver of the Saban era. The sophomore is tied for third in touchdown receptions and is sixth in school history in receiving yards for a season.
For Jaylen Waddle, Henry Ruggs III and Irv Smith Jr., the trio has collected at least 500 yards each in receiving. Both Waddle and Ruggs have 34 catches, while Ruggs has the upper hand in touchdowns with eight. Smith has 586 yards with seven scores on 32 receptions and carries a jaw-dropping 18.31 yards per catch average.
Although he is not a finalist for the John Mackey Award, Smith’s output in two categories is higher than the three individuals on its list.
A couple of schools have taken a shine to Locksley, but for now he remains at Alabama.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
