Alabama is absolutely loaded at WR this season. Ryan Williams and Germie Bernard are returning starters who will lead the room, but the Crimson Tide also added Miami (FL) transfer Isaiah Horton, who should provide the steadying presence as the No. 3 WR that Alabama didn't have a year ago.
While Alabama's starters are an impressive group, it's the depth in the room that truly makes it special. One of the guys angling for playing time in a crowded group is sophomore Rico Scott, who took a leap during bowl practices last year and now looks like the No. 4 WR in Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb's offense.
Scott had a limited role as a freshman last season, catching five passes for 60 yards and a touchdown. He saw increased opportunities in the ReliaQuest Bowl due to the Transfer Portal exodus in the winter window, and while Alabama's offense was stagnant against Michigan, Scott did have an impressive 28-yard run on an end-around that showcased his game-breaking speed.
It's that speed that drew praise after Thursday's practice.
Germie Bernard and Ryan Grubb had high praise for Rico Scott on Thursday
"He ran 23 miles per hour, 23.5, like that's moving," Germie Bernard said about Scott. "That guy has put a lot of work in the weight room with off-the-field stuff, and he's just continuing to improve. I'm really excited to see what he's going to step up and do for us."
Scott has been trending toward a breakout second season in Tuscaloosa for a while now. Former Alabama DB Malachi Moore raved about Scott back in March, stating that he expected a big leap from the Pennsylvania native.
Bernard wasn't alone in offering praise for Scott following Thursday's practice. OC Ryan Grubb was asked about his second-year WR, and Grubb gave a glowing review, calling Grubb "one of our fastest guys."
"Super physical player," Grubb said. "Willing to run through people and then the level of detail he has in his route running for a young player and the versatility, he can play inside, outside, he's going to be a presence this year."
The talent Alabama has at WR makes it imperative that they identify the right QB. These receivers are studs, and it's the best WR room Alabama has had since the "Ryde-Outs" era. They have to identify the guy who can put the football in their hands.
Scott is going to earn playing time this year, despite being the No. 4 WR. They are going to get him some opportunities, and they're going to find creative ways to get the ball in his hands. With his speed, he can be a game-changer for the Crimson Tide.