He spent last season grasping the culture of the University of Alabama, and Nick Saban allowed the microphone to be handed to Bryce Young on Thursday to speak with local reporters for the first time.
The sophomore quarterback gave a fresh perspective on many things. He spoke on his transition from California to Alabama, the unprecedented situation with NIL deals, his comfortability on offense, and moving from Steve Sarkisian to Bill O’Brien.
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Alabama had a special group of wide receivers in 2019, including four first-round picks. Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle were a nightmare for defenses.
They were weapons with speed, hands, routes, explosiveness, and excitement. Between the four, the Crimson Tide won two Biletnikoff Awards, a Paul Hornung Award, and a Heisman Trophy.
All four players were national champions, and it’s difficult to replace guys of that caliber.
John Metchie III, a junior from Canada, was a freshman in 2019. He played with the quartet, and they knew his moment would come next.
The 6-foot, 195-pounder had a tough learning curve, but he emerged onto the scene in 2020.
Metchie totaled 55 receptions for 916 yards with six touchdowns. He finished fourth in the Southeastern Conference for receiving yards and had a pair of 200-yard games. When an injury sidelined Waddle against Tennessee, Metchie put on a show at Neyland Stadium. He led the team with 151 yards receiving on seven catches.
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According to Young, he sees Metchie as the ‘cornerstone of Alabama’s offense.’
“He’s helped a lot tremendously when it comes to leadership. … He makes my job a lot easier as a quarterback,” Young said.
Special things happen when Metchie has the ball per Young. The mantle is on him to be the No. 1 receiver for the Crimson Tide.
Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jeudy, and Smith have had the responsibility. Metchie has young players to teach, and veterans to keep in line. He is a preseason candidate for the Biletnikoff and Maxwell awards.
This is a big season for Metchie.
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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.
