No other program develops wide receivers quite like the University of Alabama.
After graduating Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III to the National Football League, the Crimson Tide returned DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle for this season. Both players have been spectacular through five games, but the story has been the emergence of sophomore John Metchie from Canada. The 6-foot, 195-pounder has become a viable No. 3 option for Mac Jones and he has complemented the other two very well.
He won the starting job as the “Z” receiver in preseason and is fifth in the Southeastern Conference for receiving yards (499).
Metchie chimes in with three touchdowns on 21 receptions.
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He is averaging 23.8 yards per catch and 99.8 yards per game. Once a four-star prospect in the 2019 class, Metchie boasts a pair of 100-yard performances — including a career-high 181 yards against Texas A&M. He caught seven passes for a game-high 151 yards receiving versus Tennessee in a 48-17 win for Alabama.
The chemistry between Jones and Metchie started in the 2019 A-Day Game for the Crimson Tide. Metchie earned most valuable player honors for his efforts, and the two worked out together in Florida over the summer.
Whether he is double covered or in a one-on-one matchup, Metchie is winning battles versus defenders. He caught two 45-yard passes against the Volunteers, despite the coverage.
On Tuesday, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club Foundation added Metchie to the Fred Biletnikoff Award watch list.
With a season-ending injury to Waddle, Metchie’s role will increase as the No. 2 option.
When it comes to former Alabama players that won the Biletnikoff honor, the duo of Amari Cooper (2014) and Jerry Jeudy (2018) took it home.
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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.
