Alabama football has a battle on its hands, in terms of who will be the No. 3 receiving option.
After the veteran tandem of Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, the Crimson Tide is littered with starting potential talent at wide receiver.
The trio of John Metchie, Slade Bolden and Xavier Williams are all experienced within the offensive system, while Javon Baker, Traeshon Holden and Thaiu Jones-Bell are all highly capable freshmen that can make big plays.
Through four days of fall practice, the name that has been emerging is Bolden’s. An alumnus of West Monroe (La.) High School, he came in the Tide’s 2018 signing class as a three-star.
RELATED: Alabama CB Ronald Williams is expected to do ‘big things’ this year, per Patrick Surtain II
Bolden played on both sides of the ball and with his versatility, he was named the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state of Louisiana in 2017.
The 5-foot-11, 191-pounder was the definition of a “Swiss Army knife” for Alabama last season.
He caught two passes for 34 yards, totaled four rushes for 10 yards, threw a touchdown pass versus Arkansas, and posted a team-high tying six tackles on special teams. Although he has been compared to Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots, his teammates for the Crimson Tide have seen his growth at receiver and are looking forward to big production from him.
In speaking with local reporters on Tuesday, Devonta Smith loves Bolden’s confidence.
“Slade goes out there every day knowing he can play inside, outside and he’s doing everything he can,” Smith said. “The way he handles himself, he goes out there very confident and comes to work every day.”
For someone who competes against Bolden each practice, Patrick Surtain II has seen ‘tremendous growth’ in his game.
“He (Bolden) is obviously a great route runner, but he also understands the game,” Surtain said. “His route concepts are getting better. He is a very efficient route runner, but he also knows defenses in and out now.”
The No. 3 option at receiver may be by committee this year.
Multiple players are going to want the ball, and Bolden will be hard one to keep off the field.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
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.
