Alabama wide receivers tell why they must embrace the ‘taker’ role

Sep 7, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; South Florida Bulls cornerback De'Shawn Rucker (22) runs toward Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) as he completes a pass during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William McLelland-Imagn Images

Alabama football’s wide receiver room is looking to further embrace the role of being takers in year two under the Tide’s wide receiver coach JaMarcus Shephard.

Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard led the Tide’s wide receivers in production in 2024. Bernard led Alabama in receptions while Williams put up more receiving yards.

Shephard introduced the takers mentality when he followed Kalen DeBoer to Tuscaloosa from Washington. Bernard gave his thoughts on the saying in the most recent episode of The Bama Standard.

“He (Shephard) likes to call us takers because that’s what we do,” Bernard said. “When the ball’s in the air, it’s ours.”

Williams revealed the takers mentality means more than just catching football.

“We go take it,” Williams said. “It could be in blocking, too. Taking on that block for your guy, just because you want your guy to have the best opportunity and you got to take on your responsibility.”

All aspects of the takers movement are designed to create more explosive plays for the Alabama offense.

“If you have explosive plays, it’s going to help you during the game,” said Bernard.

GET THE BEST ALABAMA FOOTBALL INSIDER INFORMATION AND RECRUITING COVERAGE TODAY! SIGN UP HERE TO UNLOCK OUR SUBSCRIBER ONLY CONTENT!*