Alabama Football: How do you replace the greatest receiver ever?

Alabama football has quite the challenge

Every season, the best teams have to find out how to replace their best players. It’s one of the cons of collegiate sports. However, Alabama football has another challenge this season. How do they replace the greatest receiver of all time?

DeVonta Smith was more than an elite receiver. He was the best. His routes were crisp. His hands were strong. He could contort his body in midair, and his feet always landed in bounds. Whether you look at his entire career or just his Heisman-winning season, Smitty was the greatest to ever do it.

So, how do you replace the GOAT while also replacing most of your offensive line and your first-round quarterback? The key is to not rely on any one player. No one will be the next DeVonta Smith, and it’s unfair to ask them to be.

Obviously, Metchie is the biggest piece of the puzzle. He’ll have to go from being a WR3 to the top target in 2021. He’ll face off against the best corners in the SEC, and he’ll have to hold his own for the rest of the offense to work.

Alabama will also look for more production at the tight end position. Billingsley is one of the best tight ends in college football, and he’ll see a larger role in 2021. Behind him, Cameron Latu looks ready to prove himself as a contributor in big games. He has the size and hands to play well, and his skill set will be valuable in the SEC.

Beyond these players, look for Alabama to win with a committee. Slade Bolden will get plenty of targets. Agiye Hall and Traeshon Holden look ready to compete. Javon Baker and Jameson Williams will be competing for a starting role on the outside, and Williams has the speed to win with the deep ball.

Alabama’s offense will lose a step this year, but don’t think that Alabama football can’t win regardless. It’ll be hard to replace DeVonta Smith, but this is the blueprint for the Crimson Tide.