Nick Saban notes chemistry between Bryce Young, Jahleel Billingsley
The connection between Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and tight end Jahleel Billingsley was obvious Saturday. Billingsley led the Crimson Tide with five catches for 105 yards and a touchdown in a victory against Southern Miss.
Alabama coach Nick Saban spoke positively of the connection between the two players postgame.
“It’s great,” Saban said. “Jahleel is a really good receiver and they practice a lot together. Jahleel has been practicing really well and that’s something we’ve wanted to develop. We’re excited about the way it is developing. Jahleel has made some really good plays and Bryce made some really good throws to him.”
Billingsley wasn’t always in his coach’s good graces, however. He began the season listed third on the Crimson Tide depth chart, prompting him to tweet and delete his frustrations.
Asked about Billingsley after the Crimson Tide’s second scrimmage, Saban did not mince his words.
“That’s up to him,” he said of whether Billingsley would play. “That’s not up to me. He knows what he is supposed to do in practice. He knows what he is supposed to do. This is not a democracy. Everybody doesn’t get to do what they want to do. Everybody doesn’t get to do what they feel like doing. You’ve got to buy in and do what you’re supposed to do to be a part of the team and do the things you need to do in practice every day.”
It seems the junior from Chicago has finally earned his way out of Saban’s dog house with his play on game day and in practice. He caught his first touchdown of the season in Week 3 against Florida and was more involved than he has been all season in Week 4.
It’s worth noting that fellow tight end Cameron Latu finished with two touchdowns. But it’s certainly good to see Billingsley with his best game yet.
Young continued to impress as well and finished with five touchdowns. The pair of Bryce Young and Jahleel Billingsley will next get the opportunity to show off their chemistry when Alabama faces No. 12 Ole Miss on Saturday.