Jaylen Waddle has been one of the most damaging returning men in the country and a great catcher since his first season in the Alabama football area.
The only thing stopping it: 4-star receivers, a ball. There is still only one ball left for the second highest-rated Crimson Tide, however, Waddle is at the top of Bama’s target list now that Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy are ready for the NFL’s first-round picks.
“It’s a laugh to see, that’s for sure,” Tide coach Nick Saban said Monday, frontman of Alabama’s first home game against Texas A.
Waddle and DeVonta Smith remain a wonderful reception duo for Tide, as evidenced by their great games in the first 3-8-19 victory over Missouri. But Smith has already recorded massive offensive numbers last season, while Waddle may be the goal of more than ever while still being a threat of recoil.
Both are possible first-round selections.
Now, Waddle has more reception positions, so Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian can move him further.
“Before, I used to be a slot player, but now you can play anywhere on the field,” Saban said Monday. “I think it’s very useful. You expect other people to check to overtake (the team) guys like him. “.
“Then when you can move it, things get a little more complicated for the defense. “
Waddle picked up where he left off at the end of the regular season in 2019: he had three touchdowns at reception and a 98-yard kick-off against Auburn in the final and opened with two more receptions against Missouri in last week’s first game. , completing with 8 receptions for 134 yards last Saturday.
The 5-foot 10-inch, 182-pounder, a reliable game creator in his first two seasons, has an average of 17. 9 yards in 86 lifetime receptions with 15 touchdowns.
But Waddle showed his electric potential in his kicking return, even if he didn’t throw the ball so regularly. He led the SoutheastErn Conference and was among the five most nationally sensitive as a rookie and sophomore. breaking the 24. 4-yard average led the country smoothly.
Waddle’s most important plays against Missouri came here as a catcher because he never gave him a ball. He jumped to catch her in the middle and grabbed the ball with two Missouri defenders approaching to hit her.
“I can see the defender through my eyes, so they prepared me a little, ” said Waddle. “I saw him and jumped. That’s all. “
But the “fun to watch” facet of Waddle’s game also comes from his skill in the area. That’s how he made a call for himself as a boy back, and that helps keep the eyes of his teammates and enthusiasts in the area when Waddle heads. for a kick or kick of clearing.
“I think when Jaylen Waddle takes the ball and is in an open space, everyone on the sidelines starts paying attention,” said Tide supporter Christian Harris. “He’s the fastest guy I’ve ever seen.
“He leaves me in practice and there’s nothing I can do about it. I even take an angle and take off. It’s ridiculous. “
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