Coach Nick Saban refuses to be in a situation he was in during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in January versus Georgia.
Alabama suffered an injury to John Metchie in a Southeastern Conference Championship matchup against the Bulldogs, but it lost its most explosive weapon on the game’s biggest stage. Jameson Williams sustained a knee injury, and Saban had no one on the sideline that excelled in creating separation. The lack of trusted speed allowed Georgia to lock up the Crimson Tide’s receivers in single coverage and pressure Bryce Young. Since the loss to the Bulldogs at Lucas Oil Stadium, Saban has been adamant about adding more explosiveness to the receiver position. He acquired Jermaine Burton from the transfer portal, developed Christian Leary and JoJo Earle, recruited Aaron Anderson, Kendrick Law, Isaiah Bond, and Kobe Prentice, and added another transfer.
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Tyler Harrell announced Friday his decision to join Alabama from Louisville. He becomes the fourth offensive transfer for the Tide this offseason and the fifth player over to join Alabama. The 6-foot, 197-pounder was elite in a run-heavy offense in 2021.
Malik Cunningham totaled 1,034 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns on 173 carries. Jalen Mitchell posted 722 rushing yards and five scores on 155 carries for the Cardinals. Harrell was dynamic when he got opportunities, collecting 18 catches for 523 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 29.1 yards per reception, and his playmaking abilities give Alabama another vertical threat for Young to torch defenses. Jameson Williams had 15 catches for 266 yards and three touchdowns in two years at Ohio State before coming to the Tide. Williams needed one season in Tuscaloosa, and he exploded for 1,572 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.
Harrell had more production at Louisville than Williams at Ohio State, but the jump Williams took at Alabama can be the same for Harrell. Saban has created a 4×100 meter relay team at Bryant-Denny Stadium with Burton, Harrell, Leary, Earle, Anderson, Law, Bond, and Prentice. Alabama has an abundance of speed, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.
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Harell carries the routes of DeVonta Smith, but he possesses the acceleration of Williams.
It will not take him long to learn the playbook in the summer, and he should be a starter. The Tide looks to create points in all forms possible, especially with the college game evolving more to offense.
Speed kills, and Alabama looks to kill defensive secondaries in the fall with Harrell.
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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.
