Kendrick Law relishing recent versatile role within Alabama offense

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Last week, we highlighted how Alabama was utilizing second-year wide receiver Kendrick Law in a variety of ways, and on the very first snap of Saturday’s home game against LSU, Law was lined up in the backfield with Jalen Milroe and Jase McClellan.

Law didn’t receive a handoff while working out of the backfield in the Week 10 win over LSU, but he was once again involved in the offensive plan in more ways than just splitting out wide.

In his first interview since joining the Crimson Tide, Law said it’s not easy to prepare for several roles on offense – and special teams – but he is relishing his unique opportunities this fall.

“It’s a positive thing, getting called on by the OC,” Law said on Tuesday, “saying, ‘We have a role for you,’ or ‘We have something just special for you.’ To take it upon yourself to not only know it but master it and go out on the field and execute it, it’s something major.”

His role within the offense seems to be steadily increasing as the season has progressed.

“K-Law has been a significant player for us all year long, especially on special teams, and he’s had some role on offense,” head coach Nick Saban said. “We did expand that role a little bit. Guy’s a great competitor, a really hard worker. He has a skill set that, I think, can be utilized offensively, and I think we’re starting to use that.”

A Swiss Army Knife for the Tide, who has heard the comparisons to San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel, Law not only contributes to Alabama’s offense (2 catches for 25 yards vs. LSU) but also on special teams. He is the team’s top kickoff returner and had one of his better outings Saturday, fielding three kickoffs for 77 yards with a long of 30 against the Tigers.

Law has stressed the importance of special teams, dating back to his freshman season.

“Coming in my freshman year, I played a little bit on offense,” Law said. “But then, I made my daybreak on special teams because that was basically my Super Bowl – every time, go out there on kickoff, punts, return. I played all four phases, even like I do now. 

“I just tried to translate that to the ball, when I’m on offense, go out there and catch the ball, turn straight to kickoff return. Get it, see the hole, make a play and expect the best.”

His head coach and teammates have described Law as one of the hardest-working players on the entire team, which, as it turns out, has translated to more opportunities on the field. A former top-100 recruit from Shreveport, La., Law brings a tough mindset every day to practice.

“Coming to ‘Bama, I just knew I was gonna have to beat out the best if I wanted to be the best, to play with the best,” Law said. “I approach everything more than 110 (percent), everybody wants to go 110. I just go all out, whatever all out is for me. 

“You may go 110 one play then the next play you only got 80, so I’m gonna give Coach Saban all my 80. And then the next play, I may only got 65, so I’m still gonna give him my 65.”

He may take practice and preparation seriously, but Law tries to keep things light both on and off the field. Last year, Ja’Corey Brooks told reporters the then-freshman was a jokester and had his teammates laughing while cutting their hair – a hobby of his. While he didn’t say whether he was still moonlighting as a barber or not, Law broke down his funny personality. 

“I joke with all the guys,” Law said. “I just like to be an all-around player. I don’t want to be just some person that’s always quiet or always in somebody’s face or something. I just want to have fun, my time being here. Life isn’t long, but while I’m here, I want to enjoy it.”

Law enters the Week 11 road game at Kentucky eighth on the team in receiving yards (79 on 7 catches), but he is happy with his current role and whatever he can do to help the team.

“I might not get the ball every play, but what I do might affect somebody else that gets the ball,” Law said. “Just like if Jam (Miller) gets the ball, my block may be the key block or my route may be the key route that runs the corner out of the way or pulls the safety out of the window.”

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