After Jalen Hale injury where does Alabama Football turn at wide receiver?
What does the Jalen Hale injury mean for the Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver group? Is a transfer needed or is it next man up?
By Ronald Evans
As of Wednesday morning, there are few details about the injury to the Alabama Football wide receiver, Jalen Hale. Multiple sources have stated it was a lower leg injury that occurred during Tuesday's practice.
It has been widely speculated that the injury was a broken leg, though whether it was a compound fracture is not known. Reportedly the injury was severe enough to require an ambulance. A rumor is the injury was a broken kneecap rather than a broken leg. Staying in the realm of conjecture, a broken leg does not mean Hale will miss all of the 2024 season. A broken leg can heal in three to six months, though a more serious compound fracture can take longer.
Hale showed considerable promise last season. Jalen played in 13 games as a freshman. He recorded five receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown. At 6'1", Hale was expected to be a key outside receiver for the Crimson Tide in the 2024 season.
It is notable that after Tuesday's practice, teammate Kobe Prentice was still talking about Hale in the coming season, "Jalen Hale is prepared to take on a bigger role this year. He’s more dialed in. He’s got sneaky speed."
There is no reason to assume the worst-case situation for Hale. But it is expected he will miss the rest of spring camp, summer drills, and probably all of fall camp.
The Alabama Football wide receiver roster was already reduced from offseason transfers. Without Hale, there are eight scholarship wide receivers on the spring roster. That number includes freshman, and former tight end, Caleb Odom. After summer enrollment that number will grow to 11.
Among the newcomers, much is expected from Ryan Williams and Rico Scott. Bubba Hampton is already turning heads in spring camp and was another teammate Kobe Prentice mentioned as a good route runner who would become a key player.
Drawing a recent strong review from Crimson Tide wide receivers coach, JaMarcus Shepard was high on Emmanuel Henderson.
Alabama WRs Coach JaMarcus Shephard on why he’s impressed with Emmanuel Henderson this spring:
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 27, 2024
“That boy can run. The ability to drop his weight and get in and out of breaks has immensely improved. He has been everything I’ve wanted him to be.”@TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/C8l8TDTN2P
Alabama Football and a Transfer Wide Receiver?
Jumping into the post-spring Portal is certainly an option. Depending on the severity of Hale's injury, adding a proven wide receiver may become a priority for Kalen DeBoer. The flip side could be that more transfer attrition from current players might mean the Tide must look to the Portal for more depth.
Alabama needs a healthy Jalen Hale, but until such time, the Crimson Tide should be fine without him.