So many things were appreciated about Alabama’s 2017 recruiting class, but productivity and selflessness were the top two.
The group that was headlined by names such as Tua Tagovailoa, Najee Harris, Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs III, Dylan Moses and Xavier McKinney, helped the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 2017 and a Southeastern Conference Championship in the following season. This class produced a Biletnikoff Award winner (Jeudy) and a Heisman runner-up (Tagovailoa), while supplying Tide fans with fantastic memories on the field.
Before playing in his final game, Jeudy posted a tweet on social media that embodied the importance of Alabama football to him.
He could have sat out the Citrus Bowl, due to his status for the NFL Draft, yet he chose to play with his brothers.
Once a five-star from the state of Florida, Jeudy had a stellar performance versus Michigan with 204 yards and one touchdown in a 35-16 win for the Tide.
As he looks back on his three-year career, the thing he will miss the most is spending Saturdays inside Bryant-Denny Stadium with his best friends.
Ima miss playing with the RYDEOUTS no cap!!!
— JJ⁴ (@jerryjeudy) February 5, 2020
Jeudy was the head man in a group that was filled with immense talent.
While he was a two-time 1,000-yard weapon, Smith was known as “Mr. Clutch” and Ruggs possessed both hands and elite speed. Despite being younger than the trio, Jaylen Waddle provided hands, quickness and a dangerous element as a punt/kick return specialist.
They had fun on the field, in the locker room and in the community.
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The wide receiver room competed together and each one desired to present fans with their best effort every week. Regardless of him being ready to turn the page, Jeudy will always have gratitude to Nick Saban, the supporters of Tide football and most importantly, the “Rydeouts.”
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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.
