Alabama Football: Three reasons Bryce Young won’t win the Heisman

Biletnikoff finalist Jameson Williams and fellow star receiver John Metchie moved on from Alabama football to join the big leagues this spring. Possession receiver Slade Bolden joined his running mates in the NFL. These three combined for an incredible amount of production and leadership that the Tide will need to replace in 2022.

Williams was perhaps the most explosive player in college football. Metchie was one of the most reliable receivers on the 2020 national championship team, helping to soften the blow of Jaylen Waddle’s injury. Metchie went on to lead the Tide in receptions in 2021, and was one of the emotional leaders of the team. He will forever be remembered for catching the walk-off score in the 2021 Iron Bowl.

The 2022 receiving corps has plenty of options, most of which are relatively unproven. I expect some combination of Jermaine Burton, Ja’Corey Brooks, Traeshon Holden, and Christian Leary to be the starters when Alabama kicks off the season against Utah State.

Tyler Harrell should factor into the lineup as well, along with Jojo Earle when he returns from injury. The tight end position will remain a question mark as long as Cameron Latu is sidelined. While blocking shouldn’t be an issue for the remaining tight ends on the roster, the group collectively has one career reception.

I hope I am wrong, but my prediction is that this receiver unit will prove to be a little less talented than last year’s group. While I could see the 2022 receivers being deeper and more consistent, it is difficult to see any of these receivers playing as well as Jameson Williams or even John Metchie did last year.