As we continue through the offseason, Roll Tide Wire has decided to bring fans a quick snapshot of each scholarship player listed on Alabama’s 2020 football roster.
Each day, we’ll release anywhere from 2-4 player profiles giving fans a glimpse into the players who will be available this upcoming season. Whether that’s size, classification, hometowns or recruiting rankings coming out of high school, we’ve got you covered.
Also included in each article is a quick recap letting you know what to expect from that player for the upcoming 2020 season and beyond.
Next up on the list is junior wide receiver/return man Jaylen Waddle out of Houston (Tex.).
Jaylen Waddle, Wide Receiver
Height: 5-10 / Weight: 182
Class: Junior
Hometown: Houston (Tex.)
High School: Episcopal High School
HS ranking (247Sports): 4-star / No. 39 overall / No. 5 WR / No. 3 TX
HS ranking (Rivals): 5-star / No. 31 overall / No. 7 WR / No. 2 TX
Analysis: Jaylen Waddle came into a crowded receiver room when he arrived in Tuscaloosa. The already established trio of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith were already on campus, but that didn’t deter the five-star from Texas.
Not only did Waddle not mind the competition, he thrived against it. He forced his way onto the field as a true freshman and proceeded to rack up 45 catches for 848 yards and seven touchdowns.
As a sophomore, the 5-foot-10, 182-pound playmaker added another 33 receptions for 560 yards and six scores while also making a major impact as a return man.
In addition to his receiving stats, Waddle also returned 20 punts for 487 yards (24.35-yard average) and a score. As a kick returner, he added another 175 yards on just five returns (35-yard average) and yet another score.
With Jeudy and Ruggs now on NFL rosters, the opportunity for Waddle to earn an expanded role as a receiving option in Alabama’s offense is a forgone conclusion. He’s small is stature, but he’s a big-time playmaker who should thrive with more targets.
It will be interesting to see if his role as a return man continues with his increased snaps and targets on offense. Either way, he’s a projected first-round draft pick — and with good reason.
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