Alabama Football: Despite losing Waddle, speed remains on roster

Alabama football has plenty of speed on offense this year

In the past few years, Alabama football has had one strength on the outside that can’t be defended. They’ve had at least one player with mind-blowing speed. While defenders can handle agility and aggression, there’s not much you can do when a receiver is significantly faster than you.

This started with Henry Ruggs. Many believed Ruggs would beat the NFL Combine record for the 40-yard dash, but he came just short of doing so. Still, he was easily the fastest player in college football during his time with the Crimson Tide, and it opened up the other facets of Alabama’s offense.

While Ruggs was still on the team, Alabama recruited Jaylen Waddle. Waddle brought more agility to the table, but he was nearly as fast as Ruggs. Having the two fastest players on the field at all times was simply unfair. However, both of these speedsters are now in the NFL, and it is time for the next wave of speed in Tuscaloosa.

This is where Jameson Williams comes into play. Williams transferred from Ohio State, and he will be likely to start for Alabama football this year. In high school, he set a hurdles record in the state of Ohio and won two state titles as a junior. The man has speed, and he’ll be ready to show it off in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

However, Williams isn’t the only speedster on the roster. JoJo Earle is a new recruit. He was ranked sixth among receivers in the 2021 class, and his speed is a reason why. He’s another two-sport athlete with experience as a track star.

Earle may take longer to develop, but the speed jumps off the page with both of these players. If they line up together, there are few options for opposing secondaries. If Earle returns punts, expect him to return one at some point this season.

Alabama football has plenty of speed at every position, but these two receivers set themselves apart. Be familiar with their names, because they will be blurs on the screen in 2021.