Bryce Young is expected to lead Alabama football to a national championship in the fall.
He was targeted by Fox Sports as one of its breakout players for next season, and the outlet projects him and John Metchie to be one of the best tandems in college football. The projection came from RJ Young as the media pundit is high on the sophomore.
👀 @RJ_Young lists the tandems he anticipates will be the best next season
Do you agree with his Top 5? pic.twitter.com/apijSk4YU4
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) February 17, 2021
A native of Pasadena, Calif., he played in nine games last season and completed 13 of 22 passes.
11/21/20 MFB vs Kentucky
Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9)
Photo by Crimson Tide Photo
Young tossed for 156 yards with one touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith. In coming from Mater Dei High School, he earned a five-star rating and many individual awards. Young finished his prep school career with 13,250 passing yards and 178 total scores.
People see him on the same level as former Crimson Tide quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. He brings a lot of capabilities at the position, but Young has to fend off Paul Tyson and Jalen Milroe. When it comes to Crimson Tide fans, Young is expected to deliver the program its first Heisman winner at quarterback. This spring will be an opportunity for Young to prove himself.
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As for Metchie, he enters his third year at Alabama.
Alabama WR John Metchie III (No. 8) scores a touchdown versus Texas A&M at Bryant-Denny Stadium/ Photo comes from Kent Gidley of Alabama Athletics — SEC Media Portal
After arriving as a four-star in 2019 from Canada, he showcased his playmaking abilities last season. The 6-foot, 195-pounder collected 55 passes for 916 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Metchie turned in two 100-yard performances versus Texas A&M and Tennessee while delivering a crushing hit on Trey Dean of Florida in the SEC Championship Game. He was bothered by an injury in the College Football Playoff title matchup against Ohio State; however, he totaled eight receptions for 81 yards.
Metchie steps into a role that has been occupied by legends such as Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, and DeVonta Smith. He was left off Pro Football Focus’s list of top returning wide receivers to college football, but Metchie is focused on becoming a primary target. It will be interesting to see the dynamic between him and Young at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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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
