Does Alabama football have a glaring weakness on this team?
Most feel that Kalen DeBoer and his staff will get everything in order; however, others have genuine concerns about certain positions — including wide receiver. Crimson Tide fans enjoyed the days of the one star receiver with Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, and Calvin Ridley, but it also loved having a room of dominant guys. The 2017 recruiting class brought the triple threat of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, and DeVonta Smith. Alabama’s 2019 and 2020 teams had a lethal receiver room with Jeudy, Ruggs, Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Slade Bolden, and John Metchie. In 2021, Alabama brought over Jameson Williams from Ohio State (transfer portal) and paired him with John Metchie.
Both had over 1,000 yards receiving and helped Bryce Young become the first quarterback in Tide history to win the Heisman Memorial Trophy.
Alabama has not had an electric room of playmakers at the position since 2021, but this group that the talent. Kobe Prentice, a junior, returns with the most experience at Alabama.
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Kendrick Law, Emmanuel Henderson, Cole Adams, and Jaren Hamilton have not been asked to do much so they have not been utilized the way they need to. Jalen Hale, a sophomore, flashed last season but suffered a knee injury in spring practice and is in a recovery process. Alabama has Caleb Odom, Ryan Williams, Amari Jefferson, Rico Scott, and Aeryn “Bubba” Hampton as freshmen, yet it will be interesting to see which one rises first. Germie Bernard, a transfer from Washington, has people excited about him following the spring game. He led all receivers with 122 yards on three catches and plays with a lot of toughness.
The talent is there, but how special can this room really be?
Prentice mentioned on “The Bama Standard” that the Tide could have three to four 1,000-yard receivers. He said DeBoer, Nick Sheridan (offensive coordinator), and JaMarcus Shephard (wide receivers coach) has this offense looking more pass-happy.
Alabama does not have a known commodity at receiver. This keeps opposing defenses in college football on their toes, but it should be concerning for the Tide’s offense to not know it main guy at wide receiver. DeBoer has a challenge on his hands, but he embraces the opportunity.
It has a good receiver room, but Alabama needs someone as the alpha for it to be special or elite.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
