Alabama Football: Where the Tide goes for a new No. 4 receiver

New Alabama Football Possession Receiver

Slade Bolden is an asset as a possession receiver. In Knoxville, Bolden caught six passes for 94 yards. He will catch many more passes from Mac Jones. But minus Waddle, the Crimson Tide passing attack is destined to be less explosive. This is not to say the Tide’s long-range passing will be inadequate. DeVonta Smith and John Metchie remain deep threats. Over the next six games, the Alabama football offense may be somewhat different, but it will still be capable of overpowering defenses.

The biggest immediate challenge is the identification and two more wide receivers. One needs to be a downfield threat, filling in for Smitty and Methchie and ready for a major role if either goes down. The other has to be a backup to Bolden.

There are likely candidates but none are proven. Let’s review each of them.

• Xavier Williams – 6’1″, 190 pounds – Redshirt Sophomore. Willaims played in four games last season and had a few snaps against the Aggies this season.
• Javon Baker – 6’2″, 195 pounds – Freshman. Through summer workouts and preseason camp, Alabama football insiders extolled the potential of Baker. Some thought he might win a starting job over Metchie. He can be a big-play guy. He got a couple of snaps against Tennessee.
• Traeshon Holden – 6’3″, 208 pounds – Freshman. Holden could be a matchup challenge for defensive backs. He has seen no action.
• Thaiu Jones-Bell – 6′, 190 pounds – Freshman. Jones-Bell is another guy with big-play potential. He has not played this season.
• Drew Kobayashi – 6’2″, 200 pounds – Redshirt Senior. Kobayashi is in his second season with the Crimson Tide. He and the other walk-ons are not likely to see game action.