Alabama football kicked off fall camp Thursday, Aug. 4.
Fans of the Crimson Tide are excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program look to reclaim the crown of national champions. With the start of college football quickly approaching, the staff writers for Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews of the top 30 players on Alabama’s roster.
After reviewing JC Latham at No. 30, we look at sophomore receiver Christian Leary at No. 29.
Christian Leary
-Classification: Sophomore
–Position: Wide Receiver
-Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
-Height: 5-10
-Weight: 175 pounds
–Strengths: Quickness, speed, explosiveness, versatility (served as an emergency running back), improved hands
–Weaknesses: Limited experience
Summary:
Christian Leary arrived in the 2021 recruiting class as an explosive wide receiver.
He came as a four-star from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Fla. Leary was a dynamic all-purpose player in football and excelled in track. He won the 100-meter race during his junior (10.8 seconds) and senior (10.5 seconds) seasons. The 5-foot-10, 175-pounder has the speed to separate from defensive backs, but he needed to improve his hands and routes. Leary served as an “emergency running back” last year with multiple injuries at the position. During spring practice, he looked like he had developed more into his body. Leary put on a show for fans at Bryant-Denny Stadium, catching five passes for 106 yards and a touchdown.
RELATED: Touchdown Alabama Top 30: No. 30 JC Latham
His 52-yard touchdown catch from Jalen Milroe was an example of Leary’s improvement. He stacked on top of Malachi Moore with a great route, created separation from him, and made the catch for a score. The A-Day Game put people on notice of Leary’s skill set as a receiver. He lacks playing experience, but Alabama has to have him on the field more. He could give the Crimson Tide vibes of Tavon Austin (West Virginia alum), Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins), and Deebo Samuel (San Francisco 49ers).
Coach Nick Saban wants to see one of the young receivers emerge, and Leary is ready to be the man.
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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.
