Alabama Football: Tide freshmen made a statement in opener

Teb Alabama football, true freshmen made their Crimson Tide debut against Utah State. For six of them, their first game action went beyond special teams or mop-up duty.

With an outclassed opponent, it is not particularly noteworthy that ten played. What is worthy of attention is that five of them served notice they can provide meaningful production this season.

Alabama Football Freshmen Wide Receivers

The biggest non-surprise in the group was slot receiver, Kobe Prentice. The summer-arriving freshman had turned heads throughout fall camp. Before he was injured, sophomore, slot receiver Jojo Earle was also getting strong reviews during camp. When healthy, Earle might nudge out Prentice as a starter, but the freshman has shown too much to not be a key part of the Tide’s wide receiver rotation.

Kobe Prentice was targeted six times Saturday night and five of them became receptions for 60 yards. It is stunning to recall how undervalued Prentice once was as a recruit. He became a highly valued 4-Star after the Alabama football staff saw his quality, but in the summer of 2021, Prentice was ranked as the No. 1,163 player in the 2022 class.

Three more freshmen wide receivers looked good against Utah State. One was converted running back, Emmanuel Henderson. Henderson did not record any receiving stats and was flagged for a block in the back, but his potential was evident. Two that stood out with talent and results were Kendrick Law and Isaiah Bond.

Law had two receptions for 22 yards. Bond had two catches for 23 yards. Law is more of a possession receiver, with the build of a running back. Bond is a speed guy with good hands. During fall camp, Bond was slowed a bit by injury, but Alabama football insiders speculate that Bond is the Crimson Tide’s fastest player. Even if he might be outrun by a teammate, to be one of the fastest on a team loaded with speed is impressive.

Though his work was in the mop-up portion of the game, running back Jamarion Miller showed why the Alabama football staff is so high on his future. Miller ran seven times for 36 yards. He looked quick and elusive.

Another non-surprise freshman was co-starter, nose guard, Jaheim Oatis. Oatis quietly produced two total tackles, but his presence in the lineup makes an impact. Having reshaped his body, the hard-working freshman possesses the physical attributes to become a dominant player.

The other true freshmen who played were quarterback, Ty Simpson, tight end Amari Niblack, right guard, Tyler Booker and tight end, Danny Lewis.

Alabama Football: Utah State Game Individual Stats

Along with an abundance of talent and being blessed with team speed, Alabama has more depth than last season in almost every position group.