Bill O’Brien did good things with Alabama’s offense in two seasons, but is Tommy Rees better suited for the players?
The 30-year-old earned the opportunity from Nick Saban to run the Crimson Tide’s offense. As a former quarterback, the Notre Dame alum has to mold the next starting quarterback between Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson. He is looking forward to returning the Tide to having a balanced attack. Several veteran players for Alabama are loving what Rees is bringing to the program in spring practice. JC Latham, a junior offensive lineman, said he is ‘very excited’ about what Rees will do for the offense.
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Ja’Corey Brooks, a South Florida native, is in his third year as a wide receiver.
He led the team for touchdown receptions (eight) and totaled 39 catches for 674 yards. Brooks averaged a team-high 17.3 yards per reception and had a 100+ yard receiving performance against Vanderbilt last season. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder has displayed the most consistency to be Alabama’s primary receiving option. He is extremely pumped about what Rees has in store.
“I would not say too much is new, but it is a lot different,” Brooks said about Rees’ offensive philosophy. “I will say that he’s more younger and has more swag to him. We can relate more to him.”
In three years as a play-caller at Notre Dame, Rees’ offense featured multiple receivers catching 40+ passes.
Javon McKinley and Michael Mayer had 42 receptions each in 2020. Mayer (71 catches) and Kevin Austin (48 catches) totaled 40+ receptions in 2021. Mayer led the Fighting Irish in 2022 with 67 catches for 809 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.
Alabama’s first scrimmage of spring practice is Friday, but it is interesting how Rees is quickly making an impact.
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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.
