John Metchie III represented more than Alabama football in 2020.
He is also opening doors for more Canadians to have success in college football. A native of Brampton, Ontario, Metchie took home the Jon Cornish Trophy for the top Canadian in NCAA Football. He became the first Canadian member of a national championship team to win the honor in 17 years. Despite the fierce competition, the former four-star in Alabama’s 2019 signing class won by three votes.
He edged out Amen Ogbongbemiga (linebacker, Oklahoma State), 94-91, to win the award.
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After seeing limited action in 2019, Metchie was an explosive target last season. He stepped up following an injury to Jaylen Waddle and provided Mac Jones a reliable target.
The 6-foot, 195-pounder totaled 55 catches for 916 yards with six touchdowns.
He turned in two 100-yard performances, including a career-high 181 yards versus Texas A&M. Metchie averaged 16.7 yards per receptions and led the Tide in receiving (seven catches, 151 yards) against Tennessee.
He was added to the Fred Biletnikoff Award watch list after the matchup. His biggest play of the season came in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game versus Florida.
Trey Dean intercepted a pass off Mac Jones and was looking to return it for a touchdown.
Metchie channeled his inner defense prowess and blindsided Dean, causing a fumble on the play. DeVonta Smith recovered the fumble, and Alabama would score on the possession. He was born in Taiwan and lived in Ghana, but Metchie moved to Canada when he was six years old.
His football career started in Canada; however, he would then attend St. James High School (Maryland) and The Peddie School (New Jersey).
Metchie is the fourth Canadian to win the Jon Cornish Trophy, joining Chubba Hubbard (2019) and Nathan Rourke (2017, 2018). He now eyes an opportunity to become a top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
If Metchie has a strong season, he will make the dream a reality.
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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.
