We have seen dynamic kick returners and punt returners for Alabama football.
David Palmer, Tyrone Prothro, Javier Arenas, Kenyan Drake, Eddie Jackson, Christion Jones, Cyrus Jones, and Jaylen Waddle were some of the most electrifying players on special teams.
RELATED: Nick Saban’s message to Alabama’s QB room: “Force me to play you.”
Alabama fans enjoy the “wow” factor of watching a player break a return for a huge gain or a touchdown. Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry returns as the punt returner for the Crimson Tide, but who is the team developing behind him?
On Tuesday, Nick Saban highlighted some names that are getting reps — including two true freshmen.
“We have Kool-Aid back, who averaged 16 yards per punt return last year, but we are trying to develop some other guys at the position,” Saban said. “Isaiah Bond, Caleb Downs can catch punts, Cole Adams can catch punts, so we are working with more guys to be able to do that. On kickoff return, Kendrick Law did it last year. Emmanuel Henderson did it some. We just have to see how that part develops. I think we have enough good skill guys that we should be able to come up with some good return guys.”
RELATED: Alabama freshman Caleb Downs projects as a breakout safety, per sports tech company
It will be interesting to watch Adams and Downs continue to develop on special teams.
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.
