Alabama football transitioned three wide receivers to the National Football League after the 2021 season.
Jameson Williams and John Metchie accounted for most of the touchdown receptions from Bryce Young, but Slade Bolden also made plays. All three players had experience in college football, and their departures left the Crimson Tide with young names to develop. Coach Nick Saban has unlimited talent in the receiver room, but the group is unproven.
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Players such as Traeshon Holden, Ja’Corey Brooks, Christian Leary, JoJo Earle, and Thaiu Jones-Bell have experience in the system, but they have limited game experience. The Crimson Tide signed several freshmen — including Aaron Anderson, Isaiah Bond, Kendrick Law, Shazz Preston, and Kobe Prentice. Saban is excited about the young talent, but it will be fun to see who emerges. Alabama dipped twice into the transfer portal for Jermaine Burton and Tyler Harrell as it wants more explosiveness at the position. Harrell has been ‘in and out’ of preseason camp per Saban, but he flashes the ability to be sensational.
Burton assisted the Georgia Bulldogs to a College Football Playoff National Championship last year.
He collected 26 receptions for 497 yards and five touchdowns. Burton impressed coaches and teammates with his consistency in spring practice, and he remains the team’s most consistent target at the beginning of fall practice.
“I think Jermaine Burton is the guy that’s played with the most consistency of the receiver group,” Saban said Sunday during Media Day for Alabama. “He was here in the spring, so he is ahead of the other guys.”
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The 6-foot, 200-pounder brings speed, routes, hands, instincts, and timing to connect with quarterbacks to the receiver room.
Young and Burton knew each other from California, and Burton quickly became the reigning Heisman winner’s favorite receiver in spring practice. Burton has more explosiveness than John Metchie, but he will serve in Metchie’s role as a complete receiver.
Burton has his eyes on a second straight 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.
