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DrewD's Key Performers From Alabama vs Utah State

DrewD’s Key Performers For Alabama vs Utah State

 

By: Drew DeArmond 

ESPN 97.7 The Zone & The Blitz Sports Radio

 

Offense:

MVP: Bryce Young

 

The Junior was 18-28 for 195 yards with 5 TDs 

plus recorded his first 3-digit rushing game of his career with 5 carries for 100 yards & a TD. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was in complete control offensively and looked very comfortable with his new supporting cast of skill players and a revamped offensive line.

 

 

Newcomer Game Ball: Kobe Prentice

 

The freshman from Calera High School continued his high level of play from the two scrimmages in fall camp catching the first pass of the season on the opening play for 5 yards. The 5-10 171-pound slot receiver finished his Crimson Tide debut with 5 catches for 60 yards. Though he did have one drop on a swing pass, the rapport & feel the former Calera Eagle displayed harkened back memories of Kevin Norwood. Made low blood pressure plays and consistently got open. Excellent debut for the true freshman who did not enroll early in the spring.

Unsung Hero: Traeshon Holden

 

The Junior from Narbonne High School in Harbor City, California, continued his strong play from the final fall scrimmage. Before the opener against the Aggies Holden recorded three explosive touchdowns of 45+ yards signaling this could be his breakout season. His strong play continued in the season opener as the leading returning receiver for the Crimson Tide recorded five catches for a game-high 70 yards with 2 Touchdowns. He and Bryce Young were roommates early in their careers and this chemistry looks to be paying off.

Defense:

 

MVP: Will Anderson
 
Quite simply the tone setter for this defense. The best returning player in college football did not record a sack in this game but the 6-4 243 pound Jack Linebacker was second on the team with five tackles, 3 solo plus a tackle for loss when the junior read his keys perfectly using his other-worldly first step to nearly take the handoff from the tailback. Another workmanlike very active performance for the junior from Hampton, Ga.
 
Newcomer Game Ball: Jaheim Oatis
 
MY MAN OATIS. The massive defensive tackle, who has lost 75 pounds since reporting to Tuscaloosa in January for spring practice, made his presence felt early as the 6-5 370 pound monster entered the defensive line rotation early against the Aggies. Oatis has been creating BUZZ since spring practice. This carried on into the fall as he was getting a lot of time with the ones during the first two scrimmages. His debut in Crimson did not disappoint. The Columbia, Mississippi, native finished with 2 tackles (1 solo) helping the Bama defense hold Utah State to 37 carries for 79 yards on the ground (2.1 per carry). He did commit one penalty on an offsides but showcased the quickness and power to be a BIG factor in this veteran defensive line rotation this season.
 
Unsung Hero: Jaylen Moody
 
The fifth year senior from Conway, South Carolina, has patiently waited his turn. Now he has his opportunity with the starting 11 next to fellow senior Mike Linebacker Henry To’oTo’o. In his first career start at Will Linebacker, Jaylen Moody led the Crimson Tide defense in tackles with 6 total tackles (3 solo) and tackle for loss. Moody entered the transfer portal after the season but was asked to return by Nick Saban. He has stepped up in the past, especially for current Houston Texan Christian Harris on the road in Fayetteville in 2020. His leadership is valued and hopefully this is the start of a solid senior season with his own chance to earn an opportunity in the National Football League after the 2022 season.
 
 
Key official visitor: 
Jalen Hale Longview, TX Wide Receiver 
 
Dynamic playmaker down to Alabama, Texas & Texas A&M…Crimson Tide and the Longhorns considered the leaders…He will visit Texas officially this weekend for the Crimson Tide Road trip to Austin.
 
https://youtu.be/s1SgXsX1iKY
 
Next Up For top-ranked Alabama: Road trip to take on former Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns at 11 AM central time on FOX
 
PREDICTION: #1 Alabama 48 Texas 13

 

 

 

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