Alabama football has two regular-season games left on its schedule and a possible New Year’s Six Bowl opportunity.
After showing the nation its toughness in a victory over Mississippi, will the Crimson Tide start looking to get young players more reps to build their confidence for next year? Tide fans are thinking about this question, especially with the guys the team may lose to the NFL Draft and those returning. Alabama has not seen consistent success from its veteran wide receivers. Jermaine Burton, a transfer from Georgia, has been a disappointment. He was projected to be the Crimson Tide’s No. 1 option, but the California native has not played like it. Burton and Traeshon Holden have not separated themselves as leaders in the receiver room.
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Ja’Corey Brooks, a sophomore, appears to be the leader for the Tide. He has stepped up the most in big moments, leading Alabama in receiving yards (534) and touchdowns (six) on 32 catches. Jahmyr Gibbs, a transfer running back from Georgia Tech, is the leading option for receptions with 40. Kobe Prentice (30 catches) and Isaiah Bond (nine catches) have contributed as freshmen, and a third young name got involved against the Rebels. Kendrick Law, a former four-star from Louisiana, came in Alabama’s 2022 class as one of the top athletes in the nation at multiple positions. He played running back and receiver in high school while working as a receiver and special teams player for the Tide. The 5-foot-11, 193-pounder earned Saban’s trust during the third quarter versus the Rebels. Law caught three passes for 26 yards, including one reception for a first down. He looked comfortable showing junior quarterback Bryce Young his skill set. According to Saban, Law dealt with a hamstring injury but has come along since then. Saban likes what the freshman provides on offense and special teams and wants to utilize him more.
“He was a guy we were hopeful that could be a contributor,” Saban said about Law after a 30-24 victory over Ole Miss. “He was out for a few weeks with a torn hamstring, but now he’s back to full strength. He did really well on special teams for a couple weeks, and I thought he did a good job. He is a guy we have been trying to get in the lineup for quite some time now.”
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Which receiver could lose playing time for Law to be on the field more?
We may have an answer to the question in Saturday’s meeting between Alabama and Austin Peay at 11:00 a.m.
The Tide has to develop a go-to receiver, and Law could be the one for next season.
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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.
