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 previewing Kool-Aid McKinstry, we made it to wide receiver Jermaine Burton at No. 18.
Jermaine Burton
-Classification: Junior (transfer from Georgia)
–Position: Wide Receiver
-Hometown: Calabasas, Calif.
-Height: 6-2
-Weight: 200 pounds
–Strengths: Quickness, athleticism, speed, strong hands, proficient routes, experience, versatile
-Weaknesses: Has yet to be a No. 1 option at wide receiver
SUMMARY:
Jermaine Burton is a part of Alabama’s wide receiver room after two years with the Georgia Bulldogs.
He caught 53 passes for 901 yards and eight touchdowns in 24 games, including 26 receptions for 497 yards and five scores on Georgia’s national championship team in 2021. Burton has put the championship game behind him as he wants to win for the Crimson Tide. He is appreciative of the Tide welcoming him with open arms, and he’s done everything to learn the offense.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder has been the ‘most consistent’ receiver in fall camp. Coach Saban raved about his skill throughout spring practice and it has continued. DeMarcco Hellams, a senior safety, raves about Burton’s speed and routes. He has a connection with Bryce Young, but Burton wants all the receivers on the same page. He possesses subtle quickness, speed, experience in big games, proficient routes, and versatility. Alabama is working Burton as a punt returner with JoJo Earle hurt.
Saban stated Burton is far ahead of the other receivers. Stetson Bennett did not target him enough for the Bulldogs, but the California native will be the No. 1 option for the Tide. He has never been a primary target before, so it will be interesting to see how Burton excels in this role. He steps into a situation that Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, and Jameson Williams held. Burton is capable of being all that Alabama needs, and it will be entertaining to see it.
A monster season from him could lead to a first-round draft stock.
Related countdown stories
–No. 19, DB Kool-Aid McKinstry
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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.
