He enters his ninth season at wide receivers’ coach and in his second year at Alabama, Holmon Wiggins is in a great situation.
After helping players be successful at Memphis (2012-15) and Virginia Tech (2016-18), Wiggins elevated Jerry Jeudy and Devonta Smith of the Crimson Tide in 2019. Jeudy posted his second 1,000-yard campaign (1,163) and was taken in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Smith became the leading target with 1,256 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns on 68 receptions in 13 games.
Despite losing Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III to the National Football League, Alabama returns both Smith and Jaylen Waddle.
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The duo is on multiple preseason award watch lists — including Fred Biletnikoff and Maxwell honors.
It will be difficult for opposing defenses to stop one of these guys, let alone both, but teams will try to limit the production of Smith and Waddle.
With this being said, Wiggins must locate a third option. The Tide is littered with talent as John Metchie, Slade Bolden, Xavier Williams and a trio of freshmen are ready to work.
Also, the program has depth at tight end too with Miller Forristall, Jahleel Billingsley, Carl Tucker, Cameron Latu and Major Tennison. Wiggins, like Michael Locksley and Josh Gattis, is regarded as one of the most technically sound coaches in college football for receivers. The race for the No. 3 weapon to help the receiver room, Mac Jones and Steve Sarkisian will be decided by the player who can process information quickly and be trusted by Nick Saban to consistently execute on the field.
Tide fans, who needs to be the No. 3 option this year?
On Friday, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine opened the conversation via In My Own Words.
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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.
