Even with Ja’Marr Chase of Louisiana State University opting out of the season, one could not start a list of top wide receivers in the Southeastern Conference and not include players from the University of Alabama.
He was a quarterback at Vanderbilt and spent three seasons in the National Football League, but Jordan Rodgers is better known for his work as an analyst for SEC Network. In doing the program, SEC Now, Rodgers had a list of his top five receivers for the SEC in the coming fall.
Seeing how the Crimson Tide returned both DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, the tandem made Rodgers’ list at Nos. 1 and 3 respectively.
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— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 2, 2020
Smith, a native of Amite, La., is back for his senior season.
He led Alabama in receiving yards (1,256) and touchdowns (14) in 2019 on 68 catches.
The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder totaled three 100-yard games — including a pair of 200-yard performances versus Ole Miss (274) and LSU (213) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Smith has been featured on multiple preseason All-America lists as a first-team selection and is a preseason candidate for the Fred Biletnikoff Award.
He is currently eight touchdowns (23) shy of tying former Tide standout Amari Cooper (31) for most all-time in school history.
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Waddle, a native of Houston, Texas, is back for his junior campaign.
Jaylen Waddle was electric as a punt returner for the Tide in 2018 averaging 14.6 yards per return and one touchdown. Photo by Marvin Gentry – USA TODAY Sports
Despite being regarded as a speciality player, he collected 1,227 all-purpose yards with eight scores last year.
The 5-foot-10, 182-pounder is explosive with the ball in his hands. He will be an ‘every down’ player this season and according to Steve Sarkisian, Alabama’s offensive coordinator said the team looks to get the ball to Waddle ‘more naturally.’
While he is a first-team selection on All-American preseason lists, he is valued there as a return specialist. Most organizations have Waddle listed as a second-teamer at receiver.
He anticipates proving to the world that he can do it all.
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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.
