Alabama Football: 5 Tide players poised to break out in 2020

1. Jaylen Waddle, WR

Two Alabama wide receivers left for the 2020 NFL Draft, but Crimson Tide fans aren’t worried one bit, especially with the return of junior Jaylen Waddle. The 5-foot-10 Houston native saw greater production as a freshman, but he was still a threat every time he touched the ball in 2019.

Waddle tallied the fourth-most receptions (33), receiving yards (560), and receiving touchdowns (6) on the Crimson Tide a season ago, while also acting as a kick and punt returner. And for a team that’s always playing in high-stakes games, all three phases of the game are important.

As the main punt returner for the Tide, Waddle totaled 487 return yards and one touchdown on 20 attempts. That number — 487 — led all punt returners in college football in 2019. Waddle also accrued 121 more yards than the player who ranked second on that list. For these efforts, Waddle was named the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year.

With that type of versatility and a larger role in 2020, Waddle’s potential is through the roof. And assuming the Alabama passing game gets on track early, Waddle could force his way into the Biletnikoff Award conversation — given to the nation’s top wide receiver.