Alabama Football: Where the Tide goes for a new No. 4 receiver
By Ronald Evans
Steve Sarkisian has other options
Sarkisian has a deep playbook. He uses many formations and some of them may change or become more frequently used in Waddle’s absence.
Sark may be inclined to run the ball a bit more. His deep bench of running backs allows him to use two-back sets more frequently. He might split Najee Harris out wide a little more often, coming out of a two-back set. Sark has adjustments prepared for each offensive set and having a perfectionist-minded quarterback, like Mac Jones, is a boost to the use of varied formations.
Sarkisian could also rely more on his tight ends. In the last two games, Miller Fooristall has been more active in the passing game. Jahleel Billingsley has the hands and speed to be used on the outside of offensive formations. Other tight ends, Carl Tucker and Cameron Latu could be used in more than blocking roles.
One advantage Billingsley and Latu may have over the freshmen wideouts is blocking ability. Receivers who not consistently execute blocking assignments are little used by Nick Saban.
As Bryce Young sees more game action, it is possible the freshman could be relied on for more of an RPO orientation against certain defenses.
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Alabama football fans can be patient and see what Holman Wiggins and Steve Sarkisian do to counter the loss of Waddle. They have plenty of tools at their disposal.