It’s certainly no secret that this Alabama Crimson Tide offense is, quite simply, something else. Between Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs III, and Jaylen Waddle, this receiving corps is four-deep with NFL talent. It’s the best receiving corps in Alabama history, and quite possibly one of the greatest set of receivers in college football history. But, it’s interesting how each guy has created a special role in this offense – specifically Waddle. Jeudy and Smith get the majority of the targets and the receptions. Ruggs has become a big-play specialist. As a group, they’re explosive, dynamic, and can beat you in a myriad of ways.
For Waddle, though, he’s become a weapon on special teams as evidenced in the 47-28 win over Texas A&M.
As a return man, he looks like he could break anything for a touchdown. On two separate occasions, Waddle was close to scoring – the Aggies punter saved that one touchdown with a clutch tackle. And, if Smith throws a better block on another return, Waddle has another. Regardless, Waddle’s work as a return man is setting up excellent field position for the ‘Bama offense. Against the Aggies, Tua Tagovailoa never really had a long field to work with.
Waddle might not show up on the stat sheet much – he does only have 15 catches for 245 yards and one touchdown receiving on the season. But, he helps the offense in a way that won’t show up in stat lines. In turn, the offense helps a defense that has displayed a bit of vulnerability at times in 2019, by scoring an insane amount of points and taking the pressure off of them. It’s a nice little engine they have running.
This receiving corps is historic, no doubt, but Waddle’s carved out a spot as this team’s secret weapon on special teams.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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