Both Alabama wide receiver and special teams returner Jaylen Waddle and Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain III made it clear that they want to play this season, regardless of what’s going on around the country.
On Saturday, both players expressed their desire to play.
Jaylen Waddle had this to say:
“I honestly never thought about it. I wanted to be here for my team, and wanted to just get out there and compete.”
Waddle, who will be a junior this upcoming season, has not only been predicted to have a dominate role on Alabama’s offense this season, he’s also someone to look out for in the race for the Heisman Trophy.
During his first two seasons, Waddle recorded 1,408 receiving yards and13 touchdowns. But he has also been one of the to punt and kickoff returners in the nation. In just two seasons, he has 36 punt returns for 720 yards and 2 touchdowns. Waddle also has five kickoff returns for 175 yards and a touchdown.
Surtain had the same feeling:
“I wasn’t considering it very heavily. I wanted to be out there with my teammates and play this year, because we have a lot to prove this season. I feel like it was best for me to play this year, to give out some extra film and give another opportunity to play with the guys.”
Surtain has been a starter for Alabama since starting as a true freshman in 2018. In his career, he has recorded 79 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and 2 interceptions. Surtain will be looking to have an NFL career like his father, Patrick Surtain, who spent 10 years in the NFL playing cornerback for the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.
Over time, we will see if any players decide to opt out of the season.