The college football world wants to see if Kalen DeBoer can take down Kirby Smart in his first season as head coach of the University of Alabama program, yet there is another coach who looks to earn his paycheck in his first big test.
Nick Sheridan, 36, was hired to Alabama football to bring creative and innovative play-calling on offense.
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The former quarterback at the University of Michigan will match wits against four of the best defensive minds in Smart, Glenn Schumann, Travaris Robinson, and Will Muschamp (defensive analyst). He has been able to work multiple receiving options into the flow of the Crimson Tide offense, while coaching Jalen Milroe to have 14 total touchdowns through three games. Sheridan has done some good things, but next week is the moment where Tide fans will see if the school hired the right offensive coordinator.
Supporters of Alabama football have yet to see one player have a breakout game: wide receiver Kendrick Law.
The junior from Louisiana is a former four-star playmaker.
He arrived in the 2022 class under Nick Saban and is one of the most versatile weapons in college football. Law is dangerous as a receiver, running back, return specialist, and any other way possible with the ball in the hands. He started the 2024 campaign well with a touchdown reception against Western Kentucky; however, Alabama has not looked his way much. Next week is a major opportunity to get Law going. Georgia will look to takeaway freshman phenom, Ryan Williams.
Whether it chooses to be physical with him in press coverage or roll safety help to his side, the Bulldogs won’t allow Williams beats it with huge plays.
Sheridan has a chance to create matchups and moments for Law to go off.
He can free up the speedster on screens, jet sweeps, pop passes, end arounds, or even allow him to carry the ball as a running back.
Law’s versatility forces the eyes of defenders to become undisciplined because they get trapped in wondering where he is on the field.
He was exceptional blocking last week against Wisconsin and that should be rewarded with opportunities to make plays.
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Sheridan praised Law’s efforts versus the Badgers in Monday’s presser.
“I thought he played fantastic in the game,” Sheridan said. “He was very physical on the perimeter. He is somebody that is important to our offense and we know the impact he will have with the ball and without the ball. We think he is an excellent football player. He is good with the ball in his hands, but what is so special about him in addition to that is how exceptional he is without the ball. That is the making of a great football player, which we think he is.”
Law is an all-around team guy, which speaks more to why he needs the ball in his hands more.
He can create matchups against Georgia’s defense to pressure its secondary and defensive front.
Hopefully, Sheridan will have plays dialed up for Law next week.
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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.
