Speed is a staple at the University of Alabama, just look at some of the players who have scored touchdowns and ran down tacklers before the paint on the field dries.
With players like Henry Ruggs, Calvin Ridley, Javier Arenas, Marquis Maze, Kenyan Drake etc. There has been no shortage of speed to come through Bryant-Denny Stadium.
But there appears to be no tread on the Crimson Tide’s tires or any sign of decay at all. Believe it or not, Alabama’s 2020 roster has gotten a boost in the speed department.
If you don’t believe me, perhaps you’d take the word of new performance coach Matt Rhea.
Productive Saturday morning speed data mining expedition. Speed database now over 700 college and pro players over last 10 years. Over 25 of the top 50 speed profiles in the database are currently on this @AlabamaFTBL roster. 👀
— Matt Rhea, PhD (@MattRheaPhD) July 25, 2020
When looking at the 700 plus speed profiles in the team’s database, the current Alabama roster owns more than 25 of the top 50 profiles recorded in the past decade.
One of the players who is amongst that group is wide receiver Jaylen Waddle who earned even more praise form Rhea in regards to his explosive speed on the line of scrimmage.
You all know Jaylen is fast, but in the first 20 yards, I have never ever EVER seen speed data like @D1__JW.
— Matt Rhea, PhD (@MattRheaPhD) July 25, 2020
Since first arriving at Alabama, Rhea and fellow strength coach David Ballou have shown to have a big impact on the team by introducing and utilizing cutting edge practices and exercises to help ensure the team is in top shape for the upcoming season.
@UA_CoachBallou throwing everything we’ve got at these guys for injury risk reduction but we’re still seeing speed improvements across the team. (Yes you can still develop speed at this level if you do it right). These guys definitely know how to work. Been a pleasure so far.
— Matt Rhea, PhD (@MattRheaPhD) July 25, 2020
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
