Alabama football will be without one of its offensive leaders in the College Football Playoff.
John Metchie injured his knee in the SEC Championship, and it is serious.
Picture by Crimson Tide Photos
Several reports said the junior wide receiver hurt his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and sources confirmed the information with Touchdown Alabama Magazine. After a 41-24 victory over Georgia, Nick Saban ruled Metchie as “out.” He caught five passes for 97 yards and one touchdown versus the Bulldogs. Metchie is a 1,000-yard receiver (1,142) that has eight touchdowns.
RELATED: Alabama WR John Metchie believed to have suffered a torn ACL
The 6-foot, 195-pounder is one of Bryce Young’s favorite targets. Nick Saban has been playing young athletes, and the guys have an opportunity to step up. Metchie’s absence means Slade Bolden has more responsibility as a leader with Jameson Williams.
Bolden caught five passes for 54 yards against Georgia.
He is Alabama’s third-leading receiver with 32 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns.
Traeshon Holden, a sophomore, is another name that’s prepared to emerge. Holden is Young’s roommate, and he shared on Twitter that he has Metchie’s back.
We gotchu brudda I promise 🤞🏽🏄 https://t.co/f8V10PHxom
— TRAESHON HOLDEN🤞🏽 (@300_Sh0wtime) December 5, 2021
Holden has 15 catches for 211 yards with one score. Ja’Corey Brooks, a freshman, might be the best route runner on the team.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder caught the game-tying touchdown in the Iron Bowl. He totaled two receptions for 49 yards against Auburn and was not afraid of the moment. Brooks has five catches for 79 yards in 13 games. Alabama has Jahleel Billingsley, Cameron Latu, Javon Baker, and Agiye Hall as options. Christian Leary, a freshman, is working at running back and receiver.
The Tide will have JoJo Earle, a freshman, back for the CFP. Alabama has the playmakers, but they must rise in the playoff.
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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.
