Happy Tuesday, everyone. Sorry so late, we had some technical difficulties earlier.
As you likely heard, Alabama has a new WR.
Williams is the latest to arrive in what’s a relatively small fraternity of incoming transfers. For context, seven members of the 2020 Alabama roster entered the transfer portal when cornerback Ronald Williams joined that list last week.
With experience down, this was a good get for Alabama as it brings a young but talented receiver room up to speed with a new starting quarterback in Bryce Young getting a seasoned target for his first fall in the saddle.
As mentioned yesterday, Saban wouldn’t take the dude if he didn’t think he could get on the field right away. Javon Baker made a since deleted post on social media, seemingly taking it as the right kind of kick in the butt. The battle at WR just got a whole lot more interesting.
Stewart Mandel has Alabama #1 after the spring.
1. Alabama
Sophomore quarterback Bryce Young looked sharp at the helm of an offense that lost stars Mac Jones, DeVonta Smith and Najee Harris but should reload with wide receiver John Metchie, tight end Jahleel Billingsley and running backs Roydell Williams and Jase McClellan. Early-enrollee wide receiver Agiye Hall shined in the spring game. Alabama this week also added Ohio State transfer wide receiver Jameson Williams. The Tide’s rebuilding offensive line is a bigger concern.
Meanwhile, Nick Saban could have his most formidable defense in several years behind stud pass rushers Will Anderson and Christopher Allen and a deep secondary led by cornerback Josh Jobe. Freshman corner Ga’Quincy McKinstry earned raves this spring.
Not mentioned here is Cameron Latu, who has the look of a breakout star. New OC Bill O’Brien is known for favoring tight ends, and Young seemed to have an eye for them as well in the spring game.
The last installment of the Najee Harris documentary is here.
Harris pulled on his white turtleneck sweater and red velvet jacket for the evening celebration.
“I’m going for the kingsman look,” he said with a smile, explaining his manager helped him pick out the sweater, pants and shoes.
A few hours later, the call came from Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. Long projected to go to the Steelers with the 24th pick, that call made it official.
“Thank you for having me. Thank you for picking me, though,” Harris told Tomlin. “Yes, sir, I’m ready.”
This series has been outstanding.
Last, George Teague is entering the Alabama Sports HOF.
I am grateful! Thank you! @ASHOF https://t.co/OrOZ5UUifO
— George Teague (@Teaguefootball) May 3, 2021
The Paul W. Bryant Museum has a fantastic collection of Teague highlights, including his pick six off of Gino Torretta and, of course, “the strip.”
That’s about it for now. Have a great day. Roll Tide.