Alabama is starting to see its playmakers unfold at the wide receiver position.
People expect the Crimson Tide to reload after losing Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle, and preseason camp has put the coaching staff on some athletes.
The team had been raving about Jameson Williams, a transfer from Ohio State, since he arrived on campus. Nick Saban told reporters at SEC Football Media Days that Williams has the ‘juice’ Alabama needed at the position.
John Metchie and Slade Bolden have also discussed his speed during player interviews.
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Williams, a native of St. Louis, Mo., had 15 catches for 266 yards with three touchdowns in two years with the Buckeyes.
The 6-foot-2, 189-pounder totaled nine receptions for 154 yards with two scores in 2020. He caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields versus Clemson in the College Football Playoff semifinal game. Williams’ efforts helped Ohio State advance into the CFP National Championship Game against Alabama. Richard Mullaney (2015) and Gehrig Dieter (2016) started for the Tide as transfers, and Williams eyes a starting job. Coach Saban sang his praises again after Saturday’s scrimmage in fall practice.
” (Jameson) Williams is a guy that’s really made a big impact in this camp,” Saban said.
According to respectable sources, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine learned that Williams caught a 60-yard touchdown pass from Paul Tyson in the scrimmage. He will be featured in Alabama’s offense; however, the Crimson Tide has also been managing John Metchie. The junior was banged up toward the end of 2020 and was limited throughout spring practice.
Saban was encouraged by Metchie’s performance.
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“He’s coming off a couple of surgeries. … He made some big plays today,” Saban said of Metchie.
Alabama continues to see strong efforts from Slade Bolden and JoJo Earle. The redshirt junior and true freshman both did well per Saban.
The Tide has weapons for Bryce Young, but it comes down to how the depth chart will look.
At least, the team has some players who are emerging at the right time.
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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.
