Alabama football’s national championship run under Nick Saban was built on several things, but transformative talents and unsung heroes are the main two.
Coach Saban enjoys having selfless players on the team that do everything to help the program succeed. Sometimes unsung heroes are not recognized, but they are the glue to hold a team together. Ja’Corey Brooks, a sophomore receiver, served as a glue guy in Alabama’s locker room during his first two seasons. He made clutch plays as a freshman in 2021, including a game-tying touchdown reception in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. Coach Saban called Brooks ‘a dog’ in Monday’s presser, respecting Brooks’ competitiveness for the team. The South Florida native identified another unsung hero in Tuesday’s media availability.
RELATED: Alabama QB Bryce Young named semifinalist for Davey O’Brien Award
Brooks likes the potential Kendrick Law has. As a freshman from Louisiana, Law came into the Crimson Tide’s 2022 recruiting class as an athlete that can play multiple positions. He serves as a receiver and core special teams player. Law has recovered from a torn hamstring and stepped up versus Mississippi. He totaled three receptions for 26 yards, including a catch for a first down in Alabama’s 30-24 victory. Brooks said Law is a ‘jokester,’ but the former four-star is someone Brooks is taking under his wing.
“That is a funny kid, man,” Brooks said in laughter about Law. “I have seen him improve a lot. I have been talking to him a lot, and he’s like my little brother. I help him with his routes, with plays on the field, off the field, but he’s been helping us a lot. He helped us last week.”
When it comes to what makes him a glue guy, Brooks shared something interesting about Law.
“He cuts hair,” Brooks said. “He cuts hair like a barber. The jokes he tells and the things he does … he’s just too funny.”
Saban has wanted Law in the rotation all season, and now he can be at full strength. It will be interesting to see him against Austin Peay at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Click here to follow the Bama Elite Podcast
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
