The University of Alabama has never lacked talent at the wide receiver position - think back to guys such as Amari Cooper, Julio Jones, Jerry Jeudy , Devonta Smith, Jalen Waddle, Henry Ruggs...the list goes on. Every year there's a GUY! Typically from the state of Florida and there are multiple guys! There's always been an elite wideout lining up for a Nick Saban lead team in Tuscaloosa. So far through two games no one appears to have the skill set that most Bama wideouts normally possess - things like elite route running, speed, and sure hands . Many assumed it would be former 5 star recruit Agiye Hall who, last year, flashed his elite explosiveness and playmaking ability in the championship game against Georgia but he never showed consistency in terms of catching the ball and he couldn't earn the trust of Nick Saban. As a result he eventually transferred to Texas.
As far as this year goes, the projected impact wideouts are Traeshon Holden (former 4 star), Jermaine Burton (former 4 star and top 100 receiver that started at UGA last year), and Kobe Prentice (former 4 star, top 100 wr in the 2022 recruiting class). Of those three starters, against a formidable opponent in Texas on Saturday, they looked extremely underwhelming. No one went over 5 catches nor 40 yards receiving. Their running back Jahmar Gibbs was the standout receiver going for 9 catches, 74 yards and 1 touchdown.
Now I know we're only two games into the season but if we are considering Alabama's track record we expect their WRs to normally be in mid-season form out the gates due to the pressure, expectation and preparation that has become the standard not only for the program but for their receiver room. For now I will give them the the benefit of the doubt because they are "Wide Receiver U". With that being said I fully expect them to bounce back to being good if not great! I'm not saying they'll be USC, who I think is the leader in the clubhouse for the title of "Wide Receiver U" this year, but they will be good enough to help Bama back to the final 4 and potentially another title - simply because Saban wont allow mediocrity .
BREAKOUT PLAYER PROJECTION
Jermaine Burton
Written by: Unc
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