Alabama Football: Projected post-spring 2019 depth chart

Wide Receiver

X

1. Devonta Smith (JR)
2. Xavier Williams (RS FR)
3. Chardarius Townsend (RS SO)

Y

1. Henry Ruggs III (JR)
2. John Metchie (FR)
3. Tyrell Shavers (RS SO)

Z

1. Jerry Jeudy (JR)
2. Jaylen Waddle (SO)
3. Slade Bolden (RS FR)

There isn’t a more talented group of receivers from top to bottom in the entire country than in Tuscaloosa. Alabama had four wide receivers last year who finished with 690+ receiving yards, and all four players are back for 2019.

The group is headlined by last season’s Biletnikoff Award winner, Jerry Jeudy, who led the team with 1315 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Henry Ruggs and Devonta Smith both averaged more than 16 yards per reception in 2018. Ruggs has world class speed, clocking in the 4.25 range in the 40-yard-dash at Alabama’s junior pro day. Smith is the most underrated of the receiving group, and would have put up even bigger numbers as a sophomore if it wasn’t for some nagging injuries. He has a great rapport with Tagovailoa, catching the national championship winning touchdown pass against Georgia a year ago.

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Despite not being a starter, Jaylen Waddle was actually Alabama’s second leading receiver last season with 848 yards and 7 touchdowns. Waddle picked up some garbage time numbers in several games, but he also made big-time plays in the biggest of situations, consistently flashing his own elite speed and game-breaking ability.

If that embarrassment of riches wasn’t enough, a couple of other young receivers flashed their potential during the spring. All eyes were on freshman John Metchie during the A-Day game, and for good reason as he walked way with the game MVP. With the caveat that he was going against the second-team secondary noted so Nick Saban doesn’t strangle me, Metchie caught five passes for 133 yards. He made a couple of contested catches and showed his ability to make plays in open space in run-after-catch situations.

Redshirt freshman Xavier Williams might also be too talented to keep off the field. Williams caught a pair of passes for 35 yards, including a touchdown on a nasty little double-move that left freshman defensive back Scooby Carter searching for his ankles.

There also may be a role for Slade Bolden, the high school quarterback who could contribute in a variety of ways. The talent and depth Alabama boasts at the position is unprecedented, and might not be fully appreciated until we look back 5-10 years from now and see how many of them ended up playing in the NFL.