Alabama has not had a “do everything” player since Blake Sims; however, it found one last season in Slade Bolden.
Despite his three-star rating from West Monroe (La.) High School, he came in the Crimson Tide’s 2018 signing class as a pure athlete and he is exciting to watch. The 5-foot-11, 191-pounder enters his third year in the program and though the roster is filled with wide receivers, Bolden wants to be the No. 3 target.
With the combination of Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones at quarterback in 2019, the 2017 Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Louisiana found different ways to be impactful.
Bolden caught two passes for 34 yards and as a wildcat quarterback, he converted meaningful third and fourth downs with his legs.
His finest moment came under the lights at Bryant-Denny Stadium in week seven versus Tennessee.
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He went back to his high school quarterback days and connected with Miller Forristall for a 6-yard touchdown. The venue went crazy and Jones celebrated with Bolden, as if he was the one that tossed the score.
During interviews with different players last year, the main comparison they had for Bolden was Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots.
Like Bolden, Edelman was a high school quarterback in California and he played the role at Kent State University.
He switched to receiver in the National Football League and has three Super Bowl rings.
Bolden was more than an offensive player as a redshirt freshman. He totaled six tackles on special teams, which was tied for the team lead.
His exploits in kickoff and punt coverage led to Alabama’s coaching staff awarding him Special Teams Player of the Week against South Carolina, Southern Mississippi and Auburn.
He posted a short video to Twitter with the caption “Great comes with Patience… Year 3.”
Greatness comes with Patience ? … #Year3 pic.twitter.com/sTURJsfddO
— Slade Bolden (@_slade_10) March 10, 2020
He patiently waited behind Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III.
With both gone, the Louisiana native looks to emerge and help Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith.
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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.
