How many Alabama players have 500 or more receiving yards in 2022
Here are BamaOn3, we’re in the middle of our Position Week that’s highlighting Alabama’s talented group of wide receivers. Interestingly enough, one of our many fantastic subscribers (Johnhasche) recently posed a question on our message board that fits right alongside this topic.
“How many wide receivers and tight ends do you guys see going over 500 yards receiving this season?”
At first, I started hammering out an in-depth response to his question, but then I realized that this would be a perfect topic for an article (thank you, John). Before we get to my prediction, we have to first lay out how many players Alabama has seen reach the 500-yard mark in each season since 2015.
- 2021: Two (both wide receivers)
- 2020: Three (all receivers) — shortened season
- 2019: Four (four receivers)
- 2018: Five (four receivers, one tight end)
- 2017: One (receiver)
- 2016: Three (two receivers, one tight end)
- 2015: Three (two receivers, one tight end)
Last year, Alabama’s passing game was run through two players: Jameson Williams and John Metchie III.
The two combined for 243 of the offense’s 528 targets, which comes to 46 percent. The next highest player was Slade Bolden with 57 targets, less than half of the other two. Williams and Metchie also had 2,714 of the 5,073 receiving yards, a tick under 54 percent.
Of course, tight end Cameron Latu was also utilized in the middle of the field and in the red zone.
There was a total of 75 targets, with an even 38-37 split, shared between him and Jahleel Billingsley. With Billingsley now at Texas, Robbie Ouzts is expected to handle TE2 duties, but Latu will probably get a higher percentage of the tight end targets. Considering he went for 410 yards last season, there’s a strong possibility that Latu breaks 500 yards in 2022.
Now, that brings us to the running backs.
Back in 2020, Najee Harris caught 43 passes (on 53 targets) for 425 yards and four touchdowns. Remember, that was only in a 13-game season, so we’ll extrapolate that over 15 games (assuming the Crimson Tide make the national title). That would equate to 50 receptions (61 targets), 490 yards and five scores.
On the targets and receptions, I’d say that’s a good range for Georgia Tech transfer running back Jahmyr Gibbs, assuming he stays healthy. But I also believe he’ll average more than the 9.9 yards we saw from Harris in 2020. After all, Gibbs has averaged 12.9 yards per reception over the last two seasons.
He’s a dynamic weapon out of the backfield, and I believe Alabama will utilize him properly. Offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien has a history of using pass-catching running backs — including Arian Foster, Lamar Miller, Duke Johnson and David Johnson — from his time with the Houston Texans.
We’ll go ahead and assume Gibbs doesn’t reach that 12.9-yard average, but as long as that number is somewhere in the double digits, he should reach 500 or more receiving yards in 2022. That already makes two players, and we haven’t even discussed the wide receivers yet.
Now, it’s difficult to project how the snaps and targets will be distributed amongst this group.
As we’ve discussed before, there are at least five receivers who should be a part of Alabama’s rotation. That list includes Jermaine Burton, Ja’Corey Brooks, Tyler Harrell, JoJo Earle and Traeshon Holden. You might also see some Christian Leary or Aaron Anderson.
It’s tough to imagine any of these guys reaching 1,500-plus yards like Williams — or maybe even the 1,100-plus in 13 games like Metchie — did last season. That’s not because of a lack of talent in the room, but more of a lack of that many opportunities.
I do believe at least one receiver — probably Burton — breaks 1,000 yards.
That would make three guys reaching that 500-yard mark. It’s possible for a couple more receivers to get up there, but I’m going to predict that Alabama only sees one other player get to that number. Multiple guys can land somewhere between 300-499 yards though.
That brings the total to four (two wide receivers, a tight end and a running back).
Head on over to the BamaOn3 message board to join in on the conversation and get other responses, including John’s. Not a member? Join today and get one year of premium access for just $1! With your BamaOn3/On3+ membership, you’ll have access to the goings-on in Tuscaloosa. You’ll also be able to peruse other fansites within the network to hear just how rivals are feeling about the Tide. Make sure to follow along on Twitter (@BamaOn3) for all the Alabama news you need now!
