Alabama receivers vying for spots in rotation
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Earl Alexander doesn't know the current pecking order of Alabama's receivers.
Who's first-team at each spot? Second? Third? Alexander isn't sure it even matters.
"We're all fighting for a spot on the field," the sophomore receiver said.
There are plenty of spots available for Crimson Tide receivers trying to increase their roles on the offense or create new ones during spring practice.
The Tide is looking for replacements for DJ Hall, Keith Brown and Matt Caddell — who accounted for 129 of the 173 catches supplied by 'Bama wide receivers last season.
Mike McCoy is the only established receiver still on the roster after making 28 catches and starting nine games. Alexander, redshirt freshman Darius Hanks and veterans Nikita Stover and Will Oakley are also among those vying for spots on the depth chart.
It has created plenty of competition during the spring for players trying to catch the eye of new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, receivers coach Curt Cignetti and head man Nick Saban.
"During the spring, they're really trying to see who's going to be the core group going into the fall," said Alexander, a converted quarterback. "The spring is a great time to open some eyes with the coaches."
It's also a chance to get a head start on a talented group of incoming freshman receivers led by Julio Jones of Foley, rated the nation's top wide receiver prospect.
"It's starting to shape up," McCoy said. "Everybody's starting to make a name for themselves and the coaches are starting to see that. At the same time, it's still kind of open."Stover, who has 22 catches the past two seasons, hasn't been able to practice because of a hamstring injury. He's not sure how soon he'll be cleared to return or if he'll be able to play in next Saturday's spring game.
Hanks has drawn rave reviews from teammates, including Stover.
"He's balling right now," Stover said. "He's just the complete package. He's getting his blocking right, he runs good routes and he's got great hands.
"All the young guys are stepping up. They got the jitters out of the way, so they're stepping up and playing better."
McCoy seems the most assured of a spot in the playing rotation among the receivers. But he does want to prove he is more than a possession receiver.
McCoy averaged a modest 7.4 yards per catch last season and scored only one touchdown. He said he was just playing the role the coaches wanted him to alongside big-play threats Hall and Brown.
"There's a lot more to me," McCoy said. "I've just got to run what the coaches tell me to run. If they need a first down, I'll go get it. I've got the speed to do it."
Alexander and Hanks both played in the Tide's season opener against Western Carolina last year when Brown was suspended. The 6-foot-5, 216-pound Alexander had four catches for 40 yards for the game and didn't catch another ball the rest of the season.
Once Brown returned, he was reduced mostly to a special teams role.
"I'm not going to say it was frustrating," Alexander said. "Coach Saban's going to play the best players. You just have to be patient and wait your turn and when you get your opportunity, seize it."
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