The 2020 freshmen class for the University of Alabama football program is making a statement.
Since arriving on campus last week, the fresh faces have been developing chemistry with older players and impressing teammates with their playmaking abilities. Nick Saban has never been shy about starting or playing true freshmen, especially if they provide a “winning football” mindset to the team. Despite most people viewing last year as a bad one for the Crimson Tide, the school started nine true freshmen and 25 individuals overall saw action in games.
RELATED: Alabama WR Chadarius Townsend enters NCAA transfer portal
One freshman that’s creating a lot of buzz is Javon Baker.
The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder is a four-star receiver from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga.
As a junior, he played at Creekside High School yet he became an elite weapon at McEachern in his senior season. Baker is incredible to watch on film, as he dominated opposing defensive backs in the slot and on the outside. His strengths include route running, hands, physicality (in terms of boxing out defenders), speed, vision (letting blocks set up and reading lanes), breaking tackles and working well in space.
He also possesses the ability to stack on top of cornerbacks and release at the top of the route, giving a quarterback space to fit the ball in.
As he’s working with Bryce Young and others, Baker sent a stern message to those who chose not to make Alabama football their home.
If you dont come,or don’t wanna come to the University of Alabama you dont wanna be great its dat simple.??♂️
— 7 (@javondbaker7) June 9, 2020
With the likes of Tyrell Shavers gone and Chadarius Townsend in the transfer portal, an opportunity has arrived for Baker to possibly see action. He stands in great company as Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle were all mesmerizing as true freshmen.
Cooper and Ridley both totaled 1,000-plus yards receiving in their first year at Alabama.
After capturing a national championship in the last two years, Baker is all in on helping this year’s group re-establish the Tide as the biggest force in college football.
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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.
