Alabama Football Depth Chart: Wide Receiver Depth

With yesterday’s release of the Alabama football depth chart, the fan base is buzzing about the pecking order at wide receiver.

Alabama football fans are equally excited about freshman Kobe Prentice earning the starting nod in the slot, and concerned about Iron Bowl hero Ja’Corey Brooks being on the second team. It’s important to remember that Alabama runs many four and five wide receiver sets, and also routinely rotates guys at the position.

I am very confident that Ja’Corey Brooks will get no shortage of snaps or targets this season. For now, he is behind junior Traeshon Holden. Holden is a big-bodied receiver who played well in limited opportunities last season and appears to have taken the next step in his development. Together, he and Brooks will provide Young with some rangy and physical targets on the perimeter.

Georgia transfer Jermaine Burton locked down the other outside receiver spot, and has reportedly been extremely consistent. He is expected to be a major contributor in the Crimson Tide offense in a more expanded role than he had in Athens. Burton is backed by speedster Tyler Harrell. The Louisville transfer has been slowed by injuries and other complications so far this offseason. However, his potential as a deep threat is off the charts and fans believe it is only a matter of time before he finds his niche.

True freshman Kobe Prentice was one of the stars of fall camp. A summer enrollee, Prentice came in and snatched a starting job after sophomore Jojo Earle went down with an injury. Prentice is backed by Christian Leary, another speedy sophomore who had an impressive A-Day showing.

Interestingly, Prentice is also backed by Emmanuel Henderson, a fellow true freshman who was a five-star running back recruit. This slot receiver depth chart in particular is intriguing from top to bottom. Competition will only heat up further when Earle returns.

The rapid growth of Holden and Prentice has transitioned the Alabama receiver room from a relative question mark to what appears to be a strength. The Crimson Tide should have five to six receivers that they are comfortable with, and that are capable of making plays.

It will be interesting to see who catches the first touchdown pass from Bryce Young against Utah State on Saturday.