Alabama Football: Three Breakout Candidates for 2022

Alabama Football: 3 Breakout Candidates for 2022

Alabama running back Trey Sanders (6) follows a block by Alabama wide receiver Traeshon Holden (11) as he runs the ball against Cincinnati during the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal game at the 86th Cotton Bowl in AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. Alabama defeated Cincinnati 27-6 to advance to the national championship game. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]College Football Playoffs Alabama Vs Cincinnati /

3 of 4

Ja'Corey Brooks #7 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after pulling in a touchdown at the end of the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 27, 2021 in Auburn, Alabama.

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Ja’Corey Brooks – Wide Receiver

With receivers Jameson Williams, John Metchie, and Slade Bolden heading off to the NFL, Bryce Young’s top returning target from last year’s squad is tight end Cameron Latu. Latu proved himself to be a great checkdown option for Young, but there needs to be a few guys that step up on the outside if Alabama’s gonna be a threat next year.

Jermaine Burton seems to fill one of those big voids in the passing game, as the Georgia transfer brings immediate help on the outside. Fighting for the other two big spots in the receiver rotation are Traeshon Holden and Ja’Corey Brooks.

Both enter their second year playing in the program and have pretty similar stats, but Brooks produced more in the playoff and seems to be the more explosive option. His first claim to fame was catching the pass in the Iron Bowl that tied the game before the end of regulation. In the playoff, he was Alabama’s leading receiver against Cincinnati and outperformed Holden in the title game against Georgia.

At 6-2 and 190 pounds, he’s got enough size to hold his own against SEC corners as well, making him a top breakout candidate.

Home/Alabama Crimson Tide