Mike McCoy, an Alabama football alum, has trained the next receiver that looks to become impactful.
As a BCS National Champion in 2009, McCoy is the founder of Maximum Performance Training in Bessemer, Ala.
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He worked with Kobe Prentice throughout his time at Calera (Ala.) High School. Prentice, a four-star receiver in the 2022 class, was one of several athletes Justin Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine studied closely. He was an electric playmaker and marquee sprinter for Calera, finishing sixth in the state with a time of 10.8 seconds in the 100-meter dash. Preston recorded 41 receptions for 711 yards and nine touchdowns in his junior season. He was one of five wide receivers that signed in the Crimson Tide’s recent class, but Coach Nick Saban highlighted him after Saturday’s scrimmage. Alabama has a lot of competition at receiver with JoJo Earle out (foot) and the departures of Jameson Williams, John Metchie, and Slade Bolden to the NFL.
Prentice wants an opportunity and he caught Saban’s attention.
“Kobe Prentice, of the young guys, had five catches,” Saban said. “He was probably the guy that stood out the most of the young players.”
Saban said a different guy steps up each practice at receiver, but Saturday saw Prentice be the most consistent of the freshmen.
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Alabama has a history of freshmen receivers becoming impactful. It started with Julio Jones in 2008, but then Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith, and Jaylen Waddle got involved. Last season, Ja’Corey Brooks stepped up in pressure moments as a freshman. He caught a 28-yard, game-tying touchdown from Bryce Young at Jordan-Hare Stadium versus Auburn in the Iron Bowl. Brooks also grabbed a 44-yard touchdown in the Cotton Bowl against Cincinnati.
Prentice, who is listed at 5-foot-10 and 171 pounds, has an opportunity to be good. He wears No. 80, the same number McCoy wore in his career with the Tide. The Tide will hold its second scrimmage next week.
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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.
