Alabama Football: Crimson Tide still fine-tuning deep ball

The Alabama football offense was very sound and efficient in week one against the Utah State Aggies, but it had a distinct lack of big plays through the air. Quarterback Bryce Young struggled at times to establish chemistry with his receivers on the deep ball last year, and it appears that may be the case again this year with a new group of pass catchers.

As I have previously referenced, I expect the Crimson Tide offense to display more of its explosive potential against Texas this week, and even more so going forward. Alabama football fans should anticipate Bryce Young connecting on at least one deep ball in DKR Texas Memorial Stadium.

The Tide does not have another Jameson Williams this year, but it has no shortage of big play threats. Even with slot receiver Jojo Earle, freshman Aaron Anderson, and speedster Tyler Harrell all sidelined with injuries, Alabama football is loaded with explosive receivers.

True freshman Kobe Prentice will get the start in the slot and he is absolutely electric in the open field. Reports indicate that Prentice is a versatile receiver with a complete skill set, but we have yet to see him get vertical. I’m certain that he is capable, but a big play from Prentice is more likely to be in a catch-and-run situation.

Traeshon Holden and Ja’Corey Brooks are not particularly fast receivers, but they are big targets with long strides and wide catch radii. Both players, Brooks in particular, exhibited their ability to be vertical threats last season.

Junior receiver Jermaine Burton has already established himself as a big part of the Alabama offense. Burton is a good route runner and effective possession receiver, and many expect him to assume a John Metchie-like role. However, Jermaine Burton has more straight-line speed than he is given credit for. Keep in mind, he was used primarily as a deep threat at Georgia (19.1 YPC in 2021). He will certainly continue to contribute in that area with Bryce Young as his quarterback.

Despite being in reserve roles, Christian Leary and Isaiah Bond will certainly be in the rotation this year. Both are undersized receivers with track speed. Bond showed his explosiveness on a couple catch-and-runs against Utah State, while Leary got behind the defense on a deep over route in the third quarter. The pass was ultimately underthrown and intercepted, but Leary showed how dangerous his speed and route-running can be, as he was wide open for what should have been a 65-yard touchdown.

The offense is still perfecting its rhythm and timing, but it won’t be long before Alabama starts connecting on the deep ball again. While it’s exciting in itself, the threat of vertical route concepts will also open up the rest of the offense.

Alabama football has the speed and weapons on the edge to stress the back line of a defense, and those receivers certainly have a quarterback that can get them the ball in stride.