The spring game for Alabama football on last week uncovered two things: Brian Robinson has versatility and Chadarius Townsend is stronger than what he’s been credited for.
Most fans picture Robinson as this powerful runner at 226 pounds and while it is true, his six receptions for team White (team-high) gave supporters of the Crimson Tide a first-hand look at the Tuscaloosa native being an all-around weapon. The 6-foot-1 specimen collected 52 yards receiving – including a big play of 25 yards to help the second-team offense earn a 31-17 win.
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Chadarius Townsend, a redshirt sophomore, was a pleasant surprise throughout spring practice and in front of 60,000+ at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A four-star from Tanner, Ala., Townsend led both team in yards per carry average (7.5) and tallied 30 yards rushing on four carries.
He’s more so known for his elusiveness versus his strength; however, don’t let the 194-pounder fool you. Christopher Allen, a sophomore linebacker, witnessed how strong Townsend is as he could not bring down the 6-foot change of pace back. As No. 199 on the ESPN 300 upon enrolling in 2017, he had multiple attempts where he pushed the pile to earn more yards.
Townsend was explosive during his senior year of high school, totaling more than 2,700 yards offensively with 35 touchdowns in 2016. Despite the attention being on the arrival of five-star Trey Sanders in the summer, Townsend is a player that Nick Saban wants to see have success.
He’s a mixture of Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake and it will be fun to watch him next fall.
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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.
