Alabama’s meeting with Georgia next week presents several intriguing matchups.
The Crimson Tide’s wide receivers versus Georgia’s defensive backs is one of them.
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Alabama has a room of talented wide outs, especially true freshman Ryan Williams. Williams leads the Tide for catches (10), receiving yards (285), and touchdowns (four) through the first three games. Germie Bernard, Kobe Prentice, Kendrick Law, Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Cole Adams, Caleb Odom, and Rico Scott are among other playmakers in the room. Bernard recorded his first touchdown catch as a member of the Tide versus Wisconsin. The Washington transfer brought in a 26-yard score from Jalen Milroe in a 42-10 victory over the Badgers. Alabama has ballers; however, the Bulldogs have players to lock them down.
Georgia has allowed six points per contest in three games. JaMarcus Shephard, the Tide’s wide receivers coach, revealed on Thursday why Alabama’s receiver room has its work cut out for it against the Bulldogs next Saturday.
“These guys are physical, they will strike you,” Shephard said about Georgia’s secondary.
“They are fast. They can play the ball in the air, I mean, No. 24 had a freaky interception against Clemson. It was just freaky. I think that guy is going to be a first-round pick. The nickel … he’s tough. They are coming downhill hitting people, making great tackles. They are going to hit you in a variety of ways. They do a lot of things that make us realize we have our work cut out for us in this game.”
Malaki Starks, a junior, is the freaky defensive back Shephard mentioned. He has 11 tackles and an interception.
Starks finished last season with 52 tackles, seven pass breakups, and three interceptions. Alabama has its work cut out; however, its receivers have shown physicality in blocking on the perimeter. This group can also create separation in the passing game.
Nick Sheridan, Alabama’s offensive coordinator, has the responsibility of creating favorable matchups.
It will be fun to watch the battle between the Tide’s receivers and Georgia’s secondary.
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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.
