It started as a nice gesture, but Pierce Quick turned it into an action.
After he was the first verbal commitment for the University of Alabama in its 2019 recruiting class, the offensive lineman from Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) High School vowed to make the signing class the best of the Nick Saban era.
He made it happen by being a consistent recruiter and helping the coaching staff get 27 student-athletes in boasting the No.1 group for next fall. Since his first big class in 2008, it’s no secret that Saban wants to see what he has in the freshmen on the field.
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A prime example would be the 2018 College Football Playoff title matchup (2017 season) versus Georgia.
Alabama featured eight true freshmen in Atlanta – including Tua Tagovailoa, Najee Harris, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, DeVonta Smith, Alex Leatherwood, Jedrick Wills and Dylan Moses.
The 41-yard connection for a touchdown from Tagovailoa to Smith assisted the Tide to a 26-23 victory in overtime.
One player that’s currently battling for a starting job is Will Reichard.
The three-star kicker from Hoover (Ala.) High School was the No. 1 prospect at his position, according to the Chris Sailer and Kohl’s Kicking Camp sites.
He is pushing sophomore Joseph Bulovas and after having a great spring, Reichard is expected to win the job.
With a new crop of young faces preparing to make a difference, listed below are five freshmen (true and redshirt) that look to make a significant contribution next season.
John Metchie, WR
Despite it having an incredible cast of NFL-caliber talent at wide receiver, Alabama won’t be able to keep John Metchie off the field. 
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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.
