Has Nick Saban identified Alabama’s No. 1 wide receiver moving forward?
It appeared that way in Monday’s presser after the Crimson Tide’s victory over Mississippi. Saban highlighted sophomore Ja’Corey Brooks for reporters. The South Florida native has become Bryce Young’s favorite weapon in Alabama’s last four Southeastern Conference matchups. He totaled at least one touchdown reception in three of the four games. Brooks emerged against Tennessee and LSU — despite the Tide losing both games — and he stepped up last week versus the Rebels.
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The 6-foot-2, 196-pounder led Alabama for receiving yards (61) on four catches with a touchdown. He tied the game at 24 in the fourth quarter on a 5-yard score, when he worked to the corner of the end zone and caught a pass from Young. Brooks averaged 15.3 yards per reception in the 30-24 victory. He leads the Tide for receiving yards (534) and touchdowns (six) this season.
Brooks made clutch plays as a freshman, including a 28-yard, game-tying touchdown in the 2021 Iron Bowl.
He seems to be the lone player that Young has confidence during pivotal moments. Coach Saban paid the ultimate compliment to Brooks in media availability. He said the same thing about former Tide receiver Jameson Williams last season.
“Ja’Corey Brooks has played well for us,” Saban said.
“The guy is a dog. He plays great on special teams. He helps block, he’s physical, plays hard all the time, and makes contested catches, I mean … I am sure if you ask him, there are always things you can improve on. I am sure there are things he can improve on, but he’s one of the guys on our team that is a great competitor. He has played consistently well all year for us.”
Saban referred to Jameson Williams as ‘a dog,’ and the transfer from Ohio State became special last year.
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He finished with 1,572 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns on 79 catches. Williams became the No. 12 overall pick (Detriot Lions) of this year’s NFL Draft. Brooks learned from Williams and John Metchie in his first season. The lessons from both have groomed him to become the next leader. We will see how he performs in Alabama’s final two regular season games in Tuscaloosa.
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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.
