Alabama’s signed four highly touted wide receivers in its 2021 recruiting class.
Christian Leary, a native of Orlando, Fla., was discussed the most during the cycle, and he is primed for a breakout season in the fall. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder is known for his speed and explosiveness as a receiver. He was an all-purpose weapon at Edgewater High School – totaling 520 rushing yards, 1,036 passing yards, and 16 touchdowns in 2019 as a junior.
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Leary was electric on the track field, posting a time of 10.5 seconds in the 100-meter dash during his senior season.
He is as fast as they come, but the former four-star spent his first season as an emergency running back for the Crimson Tide. Leary worked on offense and special teams in eight games, helping the Tide win a Southeastern Conference Championship.
Alabama fans want to see him more at receiver, and Leary had them excited throughout the spring game last week.
He and Jalen Milroe have an undeniable connection. Leary led all receivers for catches (five), receiving yards (106), and touchdowns (one) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The speedster worked Malachi Moore on several plays, including a 52-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Leary got the White team (second-team offense) fired up after his explosive play as he helped it to a 25-7 victory. He averaged 21.2 yards per reception on ten targets, showing the offensive coaches he can be the No. 2 option after Jermaine Burton.
Leary has improved his routes and can execute the entire route tree. He has gotten better at sinking his hips (coming in and out of breaks), making quick cuts, creating separation, working back to the football, and catching with his hands. The rumors are alive on Alabama adding Tyler Harrell from the transfer portal, but Leary showed everyone he is ready now to emerge.
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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.
