Alabama Football Fall Camp Questions: Who emerges at receiver?

Alabama football loses the majority of its receiving production from the 2021 season.

Notable departures include NFL draftees Jameson Williams (79 receptions, 1,572 yards, 15 touchdowns in 2021), John Metchie (96 receptions, 1,142 yards, 8 touchdowns), and Slade Bolden (42 receptions, 408 yards, 3 touchdowns).

The Tide offense also loses transfer tight end Jahleel Billingsley, who did not meet preseason expectations but still mustered 17 receptions for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Quarterback Bryce Young will be throwing to a lot of new faces this year. There is some good returning talent, but not an excess of players that have made significant contributions in an Alabama uniform.

Alabama Football: Notable Returnees

Red zone threat Cameron Latu was surprisingly effective in 2021, and is Alabama football’s leading returning receiver after amassing 410 yards on 26 receptions.

Latu also hauled in eight touchdown catches, a school record for tight ends. If he takes even a small step forward he will be one of the nation’s top tight ends as a senior.

Traeshon Holden and Ja’Corey Brooks began to assert themselves towards the end of last year, and now will have the opportunity to step into the shoes of leading receivers John Metchie and Jameson Williams.

Holden is the second leading returner at receiver with 21 grabs for 239 yards and one score, while Brooks finished his freshman year with 15 catches, 192 yards, and two big-time touchdowns.

Speedsters Jojo Earle and Christian Leary had limited roles as freshmen, but should push for the starting position in the slot in 2022.