Alabama Football’s 2019 Difference Maker: Jaylen Waddle

Every year, one player rises above the rest to be the key difference maker for the season. For Alabama Football in 2019, Jaylen Waddle will be that man.

The Alabama Football team certainly is not lacking in star-studded players. It arguably has the best receiving core in the country. The secondary will be much improved. Tua will still be Tua. But as we approach the 2019 season, who will step up as THE guy?

Even though Tua Tagovailoa earned a trip to New York for the Heisman ceremony last December, Quinnen Williams was that guy last year. He held the defense together. He was the defense more often than Alabama Football fans would have liked.

Two years ago? JK Scott. Scott kept us in control of the game by manipulating field position regularly. The offense sputtered, but JK Scott was there to pin opponents inside their own 5 yard line. The Alabama defense finished the job.

In 2019? Jaylen Waddle. Despite competing for playing time in his Freshman year, he earned SEC Freshman of the Year award for his contributions. He joins elite company with the wide receivers who include Biletnikoff award winner Jerry Jeudy. With so many future NFL receivers, Waddle will have to share his piece of the offense.

Waddle can make his biggest impact on kick returns. He rivals Henry Ruggs III as the fastest player on the team. Ruggs stunned last season at his Junior Pro Day event clocking a 4.25 40 yard dash time. Ruggs beat Waddle by a nose in a head-to-head race around the same time. Waddle is elusive and scary fast with great hands. He has the ability to outrun defensive backs who easily have the corner on him.

In several recent interviews, players have agreed that Jaylen Waddle is the best player on the team. He received high praise from defensive back Shyheim Carter.

Waddle has been working on his speed in the off-season as well. Alabama Football fans could see flashes of him taking jet sweeps this fall with the lack of depth at running back this year. Waddle certainly has the skill to take a short pitch and turn it into a first-down gain.

His contributions to special teams this year will be substantial. Managing field position and the threat of non-offensive touchdowns will be keys to his success. The Alabama Football team managed to go 10-straight games scoring at least one non-offensive touchdown in 2016, something that has not been as prevalent the last two seasons. With improvements in the secondary and Jaylen Waddle on special teams, Alabama Football should be able to return to that standard this year.

The wealth of Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver talent is exceptional. Suggestions Waddle might be better than the returning Biletnikoff winner, Jerry Jeudy, are stunning.