Since 2017, Alabama football has had four No. 1 options at wide receiver.
The 2017 signing class brought Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, and DeVonta Smith, and the next class produced Jaylen Waddle for the Crimson Tide. During a four-year period, the Tide had the best group of receivers in college football. The quartet of Jeudy, Ruggs, Smith, and Waddle made life difficult for opposing defensive secondaries.
They had friendly competitions to see who would catch the most touchdowns, and defenses could not afford to double team one of them. After seeing Jeudy and Ruggs get selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Smith and Waddle are projected first-rounders in this year’s draft.
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Alabama has talent on its roster at wide receiver; however, it is unproven.
John Metchie showed what he could do last season.
He finished fourth in the Southeastern Conference for receiving yards (916) and collected six touchdowns on 55 catches.
Now, the junior will be asked to lead this group of playmakers. He steps into a bigger role and has to help the unit exceed expectations.
As for Slade Bolden, Xavier Williams, Javon Baker, and others, the room as a whole has to step up and prove itself.
Last week, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine discussed the receivers via In My Own Words. Alabama’s receivers are a year away from being special. However, could the group have a breakout season this fall?
It will be interesting to find out.
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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.
