Alabama will not have John Metchie for the College Football Playoff, but the players remain confident.
Metchie suffered a knee injury in the first half of the SEC Championship Game versus Georgia.
Nick Saban confirmed it was a serious injury and said the junior wide receiver is out. Some fans are slightly concerned about if the Crimson Tide can win without the native Canadian on offense. Metchie has a team-high 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns.
He is third all-time in Alabama history for single-season receptions. Metchie is a leader, but Jameson Williams is excited about the young players.
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As a Biletnikoff Award finalist, Williams said everyone has to play a big role. In Metchie’s absence, the first-team All-SEC receiver likes Traeshon Holden and Ja’Corey Brooks.
Williams said both can do similar things to Metchie.
“I saw flashes from those guys early in the season,” Williams said. “They have stepped up and made plays. I feel like we are in good shape, and there will not be a drop off.”
Bryce Young, Alabama’s sophomore quarterback, is proud of how Holden and Brooks have emerged.
10/16/21 MFB Alabama vs MSU
Alabama wide receiver Traeshon Holden (11)
Photo by Crimson Tide Photos
Holden, a sophomore, has 15 catches for 211 yards and one touchdown. He had his best performance versus Mississippi State, totaling three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Holden took a slant pass from Young and raced for a 29-yard score.
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks (7) celebrates his game tying touchdown at the end of regulation during the Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Auburn Tigers 24-22 in 4OT.
Brooks, a freshman, has five catches for 79 yards and a touchdown.
He collected two critical receptions on Alabama’s game-tying touchdown drive in the fourth quarter against Auburn. Brooks caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from Young. The team has been impressed with Brooks’ ability to be clutch in big moments.
It hurts not have to have Metchie; however, the Tide has the playmakers to push for a national championship.
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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.
