Slade Bolden details why he constantly feels underrated, overlooked at Alabama

Slade Bolden is a wide receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide. For most football recruits, that would be enough to show that you’ve made your dreams come true. However, Bolden carries a chip on his shoulder with him at all times.

With teammates like Jameson Williams getting all the shine, Bolden doesn’t grab headlines like other Crimson Tide receivers. In turn, he feels like he’s been underrated and overlooked since joining Alabama. Prior to the Cotton Bowl, Bolden elaborated on why he believes that is.

“Yeah, I try not to think about it,” Bolden stated, regarding being underrated. “But there’s a lot of people, you know, when I was getting recruited, said that I would never play at Alabama. That I never should have came to Alabama. And then I started playing, and then, oh, he’ll never start. And then I started.

“So yeah, there’s always something else, you know, he’ll never do this or that, but it’s okay because I enjoy it.”

Bolden may be underrated, but he quickly reminds opposing teams of his ability once the game starts. Even with players who were considered better prospects coming to Alabama in the receiving corps, Bolden has been able to carve out an important role.

This year, Bolden had his best season yet for the Crimson Tide. To illustrate, the wide receiver was third on the team in receiving — accumulating 333 yards and two touchdowns on the season. Most importantly, he became a safety blanket for quarterback Bryce Young.

Slade Bolden may feel underrated and overlooked. On Friday, the wide receiver will look to prove his worth to the eyes of the nation.

Bolden on Alabama offense, Bill O’Brien

Furthermore, Alabama wide receiver Slade Bolden spoke about first-year offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien and the difference he has made for the team’s young offense.

“It’s been great having Coach O’Brien this year,” said Bolden. “I feel like it didn’t take long for us to connect as an offense with him. And I feel like it’s only improved, the chemistry throughout the season. We all trust when O’Brien’s play‑calling, and we know that he’s going to put us in the best position. And the best thing about Coach OB is he wants success for us. He wants us to do well more than him. So he’s going to try to put us in the best situation that he thinks. And we all trust and believe that that’s the best as well.”

Bill O’Brien and the Alabama staff has used Slade Bolden in a number of ways throughout his career, at wide receiver and wildcat quarterback, along with emergency running back. The junior has 32 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns, adding one carry and reps as a punt returner this season.