Alabama lost Caleb Cunningham, a five-star wide receiver, to Ole Miss in him flipping for the 2025 class, but last week showed him backing off his pledge is not a big deal.
The Crimson Tide had two freshmen receivers score touchdowns versus Mercer on Saban Field. Ryan Williams is the more popular name of the two. The Mobile (Ala.) native has 10 touchdowns this season, one shy from tying Amari Cooper (11, in 2012) for the single-season school record for freshman. He has been impressive as a former five-star, totaling 767 receiving yards and 53 rushing yards to pair with his scores. Williams leads the team for receptions (40), receiving yards (767), and touchdowns (eight).
Rico Scott, a former four-star, is the one who has fans not overly concerned about Cunningham’s decision. The Harrisburg (Pa.) native had a remarkable career at Bishop McDevitt High School, totaling 177 catches, 3,075 receiving yards, and 50 touchdowns.
Another look at Rico Scott’s first career TD at Alabama.
WHAT A PLAY 😳 pic.twitter.com/auFw4yXgnZ
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) November 18, 2024
Scott enrolled in the summer with Williams and Amari Jefferson. He has four catches for 51 yards in three games, including his first career touchdown reception last week. Scott brought in a 31-yard scoring strike from Austin Mack in the corner of the end zone versus Mercer in the fourth quarter. The 6-foot, 185-pounder celebrated the moment with his teammates on the sideline.
Jihaad Campbell, a junior inside linebacker, sees Scott as the next great wide receiver.
He shared on X to alert Alabama fans ‘don’t sleep’ on Scott.
Happy for this dude man.. don’t sleep! https://t.co/nMH0ivAa8a
— Jihaad Campbell (@RealJihaadC) November 17, 2024
Scott may be huge for the Tide in upcoming matchups against Oklahoma and Auburn. Alabama also has aspirations for a Southeastern Conference Championship opportunity and College Football Playoff opportunity yet alive.
Tide fans have another young wide out to watch going forward.
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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.
