Two weeks ago, Steve Sarkisian was ready to coach Alabama against Georgia.
He did not want his chance to come at the expense of Nick Saban’s health, but one must be prepared regardless. Three negative PCR tests for Coronavirus led to Saban coaching the game; however, it was good to see Sarkisian be on standby.
Slade Bolden had been waiting on an opportunity since his arrival in 2018.
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He came in the same signing class as Jaylen Waddle and Xavier Williams. A native of West Monroe, La., Bolden was one of the best pure athletes in the recruiting cycle. He played on both sides of the ball at West Monroe High School and after totaling 40 touchdowns as a senior, Bolden was awarded Gatorade Player of the Year for Louisiana in 2017. The 5-foot-11, 191-pounder recorded two receptions for 34 yards, four carries for 10 yards and one touchdown pass for Alabama in 2019.
He performed well in preseason camp and when one brings up Bolden in a conversation, he often gets compared to Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots. In his first two years with the Crimson Tide, he’s lined up behind Waddle in the slot.
Bolden, like Sarkisian, never wanted his chance to come at the expense of someone else.
Nevertheless, his name was called against Tennessee as his teammate sustained a serious ankle injury. The redshirt sophomore emerged in Waddle’s absence and showed Alabama fans why he was a huge pickup for the program in 2018.
Much like Waddle, DeVonta Smith and John Metchie, Bolden has chemistry with Mac Jones too. He tallied six receptions for 94 yards (seven targets) in a 48-17 victory for the Tide.
Bolden averaged 15.7 yards per reception and had a long grab of 30 yards. Four of his six catches resulted in first downs and all came on drives that ended in a rushing touchdown.
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He had two unfortunate situations — a lost fumble, a dropped touchdown — but Bolden was strong overall.
On special teams, he fielded punts well and kept Alabama in good field position.
According to Saban, Bolden played well yet the Tide needs more young players to step up.
With the consistency of Smith and the rise of Metchie, Bolden will be an immediate solution as the third receiver. He will also be primary for kickoff returns and punt returns.
People liked what they saw from him at Neyland Stadium. Bolden has to continue to build off it.
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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.
