Saban:Only most consistent receivers will play The receivers have an opportunity to impress the coaches every day.
But faced with the task of replacing the University of Alabama's three top pass catchers from 2007, the receivers are burdened just a little more.
Yet while they may try to catch a coach's eye with a sparkling catch, coach Nick Saban said playing time won't be based on that.
No, the players who eventually man the same positions as DJ Hall, Matt Caddell and Keith Brown must display more than the ability to hold onto a tightly thrown spiral.
"They all get lots of reps, lots of opportunities, (but) it's the guy that can play with the most consistency that's going to be the most successful," said Saban Monday following the Crimson Tide's third workout of the spring. "It's not just about catching the ball, it's about being a complete player."
This was the case last year, when receivers often talked about an emphasis by the then-new coaching staff on blocking, for instance. That is the case again, particularly with offensive coordinator Jim McElwain installing running plays designed to attack the edge of a team's defense.
It's safe to say, if a receiver can't be complete, he might not get the chance to be much of anything.
"Being a good blocker, understanding the importance of doing what you need to do to help that play be successful, whether it's a run or pass," said Saban, listing the characteristics he seeks. "We need to have some guys develop at that position."
Hall and company left a void. Combined, they collected 129 receptions for 1,816 yards with 13 touchdowns. Without Hall as the go-to guy, it may be receiver-by-committee, even into the fall.
"It will be more spread around," quarterback John Parker Wilson said recently. "We have a great opportunity at receiver. I don't think we will have three or four receivers, I think we will have five or six."
he two most experienced are senior Nikita Stover (10 catches, 131 yards, two touchdowns) and junior Mike McCoy (28 catches, 207 yards, 1 touchdown), both of whom earned starts last season. Sophomore Earl Alexander, who had four catches for 40 yards, may figure into the rotation, as could senior Will Oakley (1 catch, 16 yards).
"I saw (Alexander) the other day when he came on the field and we were throwing around with his shirt off, and he was jacked," John Parker Wilson said. "He is big."
After three practices, Saban said he has been impressed with what he's seen of Stover and McCoy.
Of the younger plays, he spotlighted redshirt freshman Darius Hanks, a 6-foot, 190-pounder from Norcross, Ga.
"(Hanks) has probably been a little more consistent than the rest in terms of his ability to make plays," Saban said, "but we're not disappointed in anyone."
One wildcard is speedy-yet-diminutive redshirt freshman Marquis Maze of Tarrant. Wearing the No. 4 formerly donned by Tyrone Prothro, Maze has been slowed by an ankle injury recently. But he was full-speed Monday. His focus is as much mental as anything.
"He's still not 100 percent, but he was able to do a lot in practice," Saban said. "He's one of those guys this spring that we need to get to play well, because he can make a significant contribution because he does have special speed."
Saban said he aims for Maze "to go out there and play football with the maturity that we need (from) a guy to understand his position."
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