Just three Mondays from the first Alabama Football game week of the 2023 season, today we look at the third-most important position group on the team.
The Alabama wide receiver group has battled inconsistency for stretches of each of the last two seasons, and must improve in 2023. In 2021, Bama could not reliably make plays in the passing game once standout receivers Jameson Williams and John Metchie III went down with injuries. Last season, the group struggled to create separation and generate explosive plays, and also dealt with drop problems.
It is well-known that the Crimson Tide will be breaking in a new quarterback this fall, which makes the performance of the wide receivers even more critical. The Bama offense can’t afford for these receivers to be dropping easy passes on well-thrown balls, particularly early in the season.
The players are well aware of this and have been working to resolve the issue, but by all accounts, drops have continued to plague the receivers in fall camp.
While concentration is a concern, the wide receiver room certainly doesn’t lack in talent. Junior Ja’Corey Brooks is a future pro, but he has to convert his physical skill and attributes into consistent on-field production. Senior Jermaine Burton and JUCO transfer Malik Benson are also trying to prove they are NFL receivers.
A group of true sophomores will also contribute heavily in the wide receiver rotation. Kobe Prentice started several games last year and is dependable in the slot. Kendrick Law is very physical and looks to have an increased role in 2023. Isaiah Bond is a speedster who might’ve been Alabama’s best deep threat last season. Former running back Emmanuel Henderson is often forgotten, but he has shown a lot of ability as well, including catching a touchdown pass on A-Day.
The wide receiver room for Alabama Football is very deep and versatile, but it must take the next step. If this group is just serviceable, it’s tough to envision Bama as a championship team.