The Alabama Crimson Tide program has become a haven for wide receivers under Nick Saban. Starting with Julio Jones back in 2008, through last year’s Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, with all the Calvin Ridleys and Amari Coopers in between, no school can better lay claim to “Wide Receiver U” than Alabama. That’s in part because of the tremendous job Saban and company have done on the recruiting trail, but it’s also because of Saban’s adaptability, the slew of offensive coordinators that have properly utilized these guys, and these receivers stepping up and realizing their potential. Now, the Tide will look to John Metchie III to step into that vaunted role in this offense in 2021.
Judging by his 2020 campaign, he’s more than capable. When Jaylen Waddle went down with an injury, Metchie had to step up. In doing so, he tallied 55 catches for 916 yards and six touchdowns. Smith had a monstrous season, catching 117 passes for 1,856 yards and a whopping 23 touchdowns. There’s no doubt that Smith got the lion’s share of the targets, but as the 2nd leading receiver on the team in 2021, Metchie actually had a higher average yards per catch than Smith did (16.7 to Smith’s 15.9). His six receiving touchdowns were also 2nd on the team.
Now, he has the chance to dip into some of those targets that Smith and Waddle were getting before him. Slade Bolden is back after a 24-catch 247-yard season. He’s a bit of gadgety Swiss Army Knife type of receiver, but he’s not the deep threat that Metchie is. Javon Baker and Traeshon Holden are popular breakout candidates, but neither has the experience that Metchie and Bolden have. While they all complement each other well, there’s no doubt that Metchie is the alpha dog of this group. And, if he can step right up, he’ll greatly improve his NFL Draft stock to boot.
Metchie has first round talent, though there’s a pair of Ohio State Buckeyes that might have something to say about whether or not he’s the first receiver off the board. He’s a good route-runner with the ability to cut and change direction on a dime. He is a savvy guy in that he knows when to be shifty vs. when to be speedy in order to separate. But, the bottom line is that Metchie is going to separate. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see him climb the draft boards as he sees more opportunity within this Alabama offense, and produces with it. All in all, Tide fans are right to expect a big year from John Metchie III.
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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