It’s not the way Alabama fans or even Slade Bolden wanted it to happen, but the elusive receiver is finally getting his shot at some extensive playing time with Jaylen Waddle out for the season.
Bolden has been a fixture of the offense for some time now, as he’s carved out a role as a wildcat or “Slade-cat” quarterback for short yardage or deceptive throws since last season. But most of his receptions prior to this season came in a typical mop up fashion with a different quarterback in to supplement number 18.
Although his action has been a bit limited up until this point, there is a ton to be excited about in regards to Bolden’s game, and quarterback Mac Jones is
“He’s a guy who knows what to do, he knows where to line up. He’s played a lot of different positions,” Jones said on Monday. “Shoot he’s even played defense before in the spring practices before. So the guy knows a lot about football. I mean if you go watch his high school highlights, I always like watching his highlights it gets me pretty fired up. He’s making plays.
“So when you have somebody who’s making plays like that and put him wherever you want on the field, he’s a guy that’s super versatile. I’ve got a lot of bank reps with him like he’s a guy if I ever need to throw whether it’s at twelve at night or six in the morning he’ll be there. So, I always appreciate Slade, and he’s gonna do a good job and he’s just getting started.”
Slade Bolden mentioned today he's "not the fastest" receiver. Don't let him fool you, he's got wheels 💨 pic.twitter.com/XW5jzkPBhL
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) October 28, 2020
Bolden’s chemistry with Jones will play an important role down the line in order for him to make a smooth transition into his new starting role. It already proved to pay dividends last week against Tennessee where Bolden caught six passes for 94 yards with some receptions coming in heavy traffic.
Although Bolden will be the first one to tell you he is not the most talented player on the field, he has a Julian Edelman type mentality of outworking the person in front of him.
“The best way I can describe my game is I’m not gonna be the fastest guy on the field, but I feel like I got a lot of heart, a lot of determination,” Bolden said. “I’m gonna be able to get open and make plays, and I will catch the ball if it’s around me.”
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
