Alabama Football: How much difference can receiver reinforcements make?

Alabama football got a subpar performance from its offense in a week two win over Texas. The fan base is unhappy with the playcalling, offensive line play, and a distinct lack of production from the Alabama receivers.

Over the past few seasons, Alabama has churned out numerous NFL draft picks at the wide receiver position and been a factory for elite pass-catching talent. None of this was on display against Texas, as dropped balls and an inability to separate from man coverage doomed the Tide to just 77 passing yards through three quarters.

Alabama Football: Signs of promise

The receivers finally showed signs of life in the final quarter, which saw Bryce Young throw for 136 yards on three drives.

He first connected with Kobe Prentice on three passes in a row totaling 14 yards, after Prentice had previously made just one catch all day. Young then turned his attention to Ja’Corey Brooks, who made his first catch of the season on a huge 4th down conversion. It was the first of back-to-back grabs for Brooks, who ultimately finished the quarter with three catches for 33 yards.

Bryce Young then hit his classmate, Traeshon Holden, three consecutive times for 40 yards after Holden had also recorded just one reception all game. Finally, Young started finding Cameron Latu, who made three catches for 14 yards in the game’s final minutes.

The receivers looked good in the fourth quarter, but they weren’t able to produce until desperation set in. The lasting memory for Alabama football fans will be of the stagnant offense that showed up for over two and a half hours on Saturday afternoon.

Alabama Football: Reinforcements incoming

Reports are surfacing that sophomore slot receiver Jojo Earle and Louisville transfer Tyler Harrell should be healthy enough to play by week five. Week five is significant because it will be Alabama’s first SEC West game. More importantly, it could potentially be a top-10 matchup on the road at Arkansas.

Earle saw snaps as a true freshman in the slot last year, recorded 12 catches for 148 yards while also serving as a punt returner. He may have secured the starting slot position in 2022 before suffering an injury in fall camp.

Harrell comes to Alabama football as a redshirt junior after spending three seasons in Louisville. He also fell victim to a preseason injury, so we have yet to see him play in an Alabama uniform. Renowned for his speed, Harrell caught only 18 passes for the Cardinals last season, but averaged an absurd 29 yards per reception and scored six touchdowns.

Both Earle and Leary are speedy receivers who, on paper, are the big-play threats the Alabama offense is lacking. However, games are not played on paper. My concern is this: If Alabama cannot rely on former highly-touted, explosive recruits such as Jermaine Burton, Christian Leary, Kobe Prentice, and more to make big plays and stretch the field, why should we be confident that Earle and Harrell can do it?

Alabama Football: How much difference can they make?

Jojo Earle saw significant playing time last season, and was underwhelming in terms of his expected speed and propensity to generate explosive plays. He averaged just 8.4 yards on his 28 touches, and did not score a touchdown. His only reception of 20-plus yards came against Mercer. That is not to say Jojo Earle can’t be a playmaker, it is to say he has not shown it as of yet.

Harrell has shown the ability to be a vertical threat in the ACC, but there is no guarantee that this production will translate.

Alabama football will likely get some reinforcements at wide receiver within the next month. Until then, the Tide has two games to shore up its passing offense with the players that are currently available. Some combination of guys like Burton, Leary, Prentice, Brooks, and Holden have to become consistent contributors. Even speedy freshman Isaiah Bond has an opportunity to find a niche.

There are a plethora of potential playmakers on this roster, and the return of Earle and Harrell will only add to that number. At some point, Alabama receivers have to turn potential into regular production.