Meet the 2013 Tide Players: Jarrick Williams, Christion Jones and Jabriel Washington
By Ron Clark
September 29, 2012; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Christion Jones (22) reruns a kickoff for a touchdown against the Mississippi Rebels during the second quarter at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jarrick Williams
When Jarrick Williams signed with Alabama, recruiting services liked him; he projected to be a big contributor for Alabama. Unfortunately, he’s not seen the field too much during his time in Tuscaloosa.
The junior safety from Blount High School in Mobile was ranked as high as the number five safety in the 2010 class, and played in the U.S. Army All-American game.
Williams played in four games during the 2010 season. He saw the most playing time during Alabama’s route of Michigan State in the Capitol One Bowl.
His sophomore campaign included more playing time as a reserve and a special teams player. He finished the season with four tackles.
Fans expected Williams to be a contributor for the 2012 secondary after the departure of Mark Barron. Those expectations went away when Williams tore his ACL during summer workouts. I discussed his return a few months ago.
Williams played in Alabama’s 2013 A-Day game and made four tackles along with one pass-break-up. Look for Williams to do in 2013 what fans expected of him in 2012: be a solid backup and provide depth.
Christion Jones
Alabama fans remember a player for key plays. A player can be a three year All-American and be seen in a negative light for one bad play.
Fans remember Christion Jones for replacing an injured Marquis Maze during the 2012 BCS National Championship game against LSU. After Maze injured his hamstring, Jones lined up to return four punts against LSU; he called “fair catch” on three while returning another for 15 yards. He did it as a true freshman with only two career punt returns.
During his freshman season, Jones made three catches for 49 yards along with three punt returns for 33 yards
Jones made more plays in the 2012 season as a wide receiver and the primary punt returner for the Crimson Tide. He made 27 receptions for 252 yards and four touchdowns and returned 21 punts for 213 yards and 8 kickoffs for 213 yards and one touchdown while playing in all 14 games. He finished the season fourth in all-purpose yards for the Crimson Tide with 800 yards.
In the 2013 Alabama A-Day game, Jones made three receptions for 55 yards. He continued his kick returning duties by returning one kickoff for 30 yards and a punt for six yards.
Alabama fans should look for continued improvement from the 5-foot-11, 185-pound receiver from Adamsville, Alabama. Depending on his season, he may not return for 2014.
Jabriel Washington
The state of Tennessee does not have the football-rich talent like the states of Georgia or Florida or even Alabama. Crimson Tide sophomore defensive back Jabriel Washington was one of the top Tennessee high school recruits in 2011.
Rivals.com ranked Washington as the number three player in the state and the 20th best athlete in the nation. ESPNU said Washington was the 29th best athlete in the nation.
He passed for over 2,600 yards and 23 touchdowns during his senior year. He also rushed for over 1,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. He played on defense, too. Leading the Trinity Christian Academy football team in tackles, he made 111 tackles and six interceptions on the season. He returned eight punts for over 200 yards as well.
Coach Nick Saban redshirted Washington during his first year in Tuscaloosa to give him time to learn the complex defense. In 2012, Washington played in eight games while making two tackles.
Washington made four tackles in Alabama’s A-Day game in April. Look for him to continue to play as a special teams player and a backup on defense in 2013.