Last season, the Alabama Crimson Tide had the best group of wide receivers in the country. First, you had the duo of Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs. Jerry was making comparisons to Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. Henry was the possession receiver that every quarterback dreams of having to lob the ball up too. Outside of those two, there was another target they have named Jaylen Waddle. With Henry and Jerry leaving for the NFL, Jaylen became the number one receiver this year. He’s been off to a fast start. Yesterday, his season unfortunately came to an end. He broke his ankle and will be out for the rest of the season.
I felt he was the most electrifying player in college football. Anytime he had the ball in his hands, something magical was bound to happen. Steve Sarkisian always dialed up plays to get him the ball in different capacities such as screens, jet sweeps, lining him up in the slot, or having him return punts in special teams. As a route runner, Jaylen is smooth in his cuts and releases to get open. He has no issues in adjusting to make catches on the move and turn up the field for additional yards. He’s a more dynamic version of Corrdarrelle Patterson with the ability to impact the game in several ways along with his impact on special teams.
It’s always tough when you lose a key part of your offense. Mac Jones and Jaylen were becoming quite the tandem for this Alabama offense. Furthermore, the adage is true. The next man must step up. I don’t think this will hurt them too much because they still have Najee Harris, John Metchie, and Devonta Smith.
