Nick Saban no longer has Jaylen Waddle, but he made an awesome move in the transfer portal.
The University of Alabama landed Jameson Williams from Ohio State, and the move has been successful for the Crimson Tide.
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Williams performed well in summer workouts and preseason camp, earning one of the three starting jobs at wide receiver.
Bryce Young told reporters in fall practice that John Metchie is the ‘cornerstone’ of Alabama’s offense; however, the sophomore quarterback has a connection with Williams too. The 6-foot-2, 189-pounder displayed hands, proficient routes, body control, and incredible speed versus Miami’s defensive backfield. He led the Crimson Tide in receiving yards (126) on four catches, including a 94-yard race to the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter. Young beat the blitz with a perfect throw, and the Hurricanes had no chance to catch Williams. He was on the receiving end of the second-longest touchdown pass in Crimson Tide history.
BAMA 94-YARD HOUSE CALL 🏡 📞 pic.twitter.com/tBC5a1kcpu
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 4, 2021
Mac Jones found Waddle for a 94-yard score during Alabama’s matchup against Louisiana-Lafayette in 2018. The longest touchdown pass for the Tide was in 2013 when AJ McCarron hit Amari Cooper for 99 yards against Auburn.
The Tigers went on to grab a 34-28 victory off a play dubbed “Kick 6.” Williams brings experience from the Buckeyes, but his acceleration and balance impressed Tide fans and Coach Saban. He said the transfer receiver was ‘really good’ on the field.
Richard Mullaney came to Alabama from Oregon State in 2015, and he was a big factor in helping the Crimson Tide win a national championship. Despite it being one game, it looks like Williams has chemistry with Young. He settled the first-year starter into the game with catches, while his touchdown reception had the Alabama sideline excited. Williams has a chance to become a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and his outing against Miami is just the beginning.
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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 “watch” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
