Last season, the University of Alabama had the most exciting offense in college football.
Steve Sarkisian was the mastermind, and the trio of Mac Jones, Najee Harris, and DeVonta Smith all benefitted. Alabama averaged the most points of the Nick Saban era (48.5) and scored at least 40 points in 11 of 13 games. Sarkisian won the Frank Broyles Award, Harris won the Doak Walker Award, and the duo of Smith and Jones captured a few individual honors.
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No one had an answer for the Crimson Tide in a Coronavirus-shortened season, and it allowed for Saban to secure his second undefeated national championship. After losing Sarkisian to Texas and veteran players to the NFL Draft, Bill O’Brien will look to build off Alabama’s success in 2020. He has a lot of talent to work with as the Tide will try to repeat as national champions.
It signed some playmakers in this recruiting class, but five offensive pieces will be important for O’Brien.
5. Jahleel Billingsley, TE
Sarkisian featured Jahleel Billingsley, but O’Brien is about to make him a superstar.
Whether it was at Penn State, New England Patriots, or Houston Texans, tight ends were the best receiving options O’Brien coached.
Much excitement is surrounding the Alabama program on the type of season Billingsley is expected to have.
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end Jahleel Billingsley (19) makes a catch for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder caught 18 passes for 287 yards with three touchdowns last year.
Former players such as Hale Hentges and Mike McCoy have compared him to Irv Smith Jr. and Kyle Pitts.
Hentges told yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine that Billingsley is an impressive route runner. McCoy stated that the junior is a matchup nightmare for defenses.
Fourteen of his 18 receptions went for first downs or scores, while he caught 17 passes for 274 yards during the last seven games of the season. An athletic tight end is a quarterback’s best friend, and Bryce Young will target Billingsley.
4. Jase McClellan, RB
He and Brian Robinson Jr. are competing for the starting job at running back, but Jase McClellan was good as a freshman.
4/2/21 MFB Scrimmage
Alabama running back Jase McClellan (21)
Photo by Kent Gidley
McClellan recorded two touchdowns, including an 80-yard score versus Arkansas. He carried the ball 23 times for 245 yards and posted the highest average (10.6 ypc) among backs. A native of Aledo, Texas, McClellan has incredible speed and might be more explosive than Najee Harris.
In today’s era of college football, running backs have to excel in many areas offensively.
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McClellan gives the Tide speed, power, balance, hands (as a receiver), and pass-blocking.
He totaled 108 yards in the spring game, including 62 receiving yards on seven catches.
His versatility on special teams also makes defenses account for him on the field.
3. John Metchie, WR
Alabama has had Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, and DeVonta Smith all operate at No. 1 in the wide receiver room.
John Metchie, a junior, will have this opportunity in the fall. He was explosive at times in 2020, especially in matchups against Texas A&M and Tennessee. Metchie had a career-high 181 yards on five catches with two scores versus the Aggies. He was huge versus the Volunteers, grabbing seven passes for 151 yards.
The Canadian made big plays in the absence of Jaylen Waddle.
Alabama WR John Metchie (No.8) runs for a long touchdown versus Texas A&M in 2020/Photo via SEC Media Portal
Metchie finished the year with 55 catches for 916 yards receiving and six touchdowns.
The 6-foot, 195-pounder is next in line to be an early-round NFL Draft pick.
2. Evan Neal, OT
Evan Neal’s move to left tackle makes him very significant in the fall.
The 6-foot-7, 360-pounder is responsible for protecting the blindside of Bryce Young. He allowed only 1.5 sacks in 810 snaps during his sophomore season. Neal was on an offensive unit that won the Joe Moore Award in 2020; however, he is the leader of this group.
As a former five-star, he sets the tone in run-blocking and pass-protection in assuring this offense remains dominant.
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12/5/20 MFB Alabama vs LSU
Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal (73)
Photo by Kent Gidley
Neal is regarded as a first-round draft pick.
1. Bryce Young, QB
Obviously, Bryce Young is the most important offensive player.
People are ready to see the sophomore at Bryant-Denny Stadium as the starting quarterback. He intends on becoming the fifth player to lead Alabama to a national championship as a first-year starter.
Young was impressive throughout spring practice and won the Dixie Howell Most Valuable Player Award in the A-Day Game. He accounted for 333 passing yards with one touchdown.
Oct 3, 2020; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama quarterback Bryce Young (9) warms up before the game with Texas A&M at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr/The Tuscaloosa News via USA TODAY Sports
Young’s athleticism, accuracy, leadership, and big-play capabilities will be vital.
The Southeastern Conference has a few talented signal-callers, including Matt Corral (Ole Miss), J.T. Daniels (Georgia), and Emory Jones (Florida).
Some people have doubts about Young, but the California native can silence everyone in the fall.
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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.
