Could we see Alabama football gift a well-respected offensive player an opportunity in goal line situations?
Some reporters brought this idea to Bryan Ellis, the Crimson Tide’s tight ends coach, during Wednesday’s media availability for assistant coaches ahead of the Mercer game. Alabama has seen much activity from its tight ends as CJ Dippre, Robbie Ouzts, and Josh Cuevas have all played a lot this season. Dippre has 15 catches for 181 yards, while Cuevas has eight receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown. Ouzts, a senior, has four catches for 24 yards and has arguably been the best blocker on the team.
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Ouzts, a South Carolina native, has never been big on stats, yet he could be in for a special moment.
Coach Ellis believes Ouzts would be ‘awesome’ getting the ball in a goal line chance to score.
“There is not much I don’t think Robbie Ouzts can’t do,” Ellis said Wednesday.
“I think you are a fool if you doubt him in any way. He is as good of a young man and as good of a football player and willing to do whatever role it takes. That is what has been so cool about Robbie is it doesn’t matter what you ask him to do.”
Ellis highlighted Ouzts willingness to play on special teams and do the dirty work on offense.
“He has my respect for a long time,” Ellis said.
In the Nick Saban era, we saw defensive players such as Da’Ron Payne, A’Shawn Robinson, Jarran Reed, and Quinnen Williams used in goal line situations to help the offense. Payne caught a touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts in the 2017 College Football Playoff Semifinal matchup versus Clemson. Ouzts would be perfect for the opportunity to carry the ball for a touchdown inside the 1-yard line. Will Nick Sheridan dial it up for him? We shall see what happens, but Ouzts has been more than impactful.
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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.
