Nick Saban Calls Alabama’s Return Game ‘Much More Competitive’

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Restricted contact on particular groups throughout this weekend’s A-Day sport will stop the gang inside Bryant-Denny Stadium from getting a very good take a look at Alabama’s return sport. Though, in line with Nick Saban, it’s one thing to control this season.

“I believe we’re a lot improved within the kicking sport,” Saban mentioned when requested Thursday about Alabama’s potential returners. “I believe we’re far more aggressive. I just like the power and enthusiasm that we have proven within the kicking sport. We have actually tried to develop numerous gamers within the kicking sport.”

Alabama hasn’t made any ultimate selections about who will maintain return duties this fall. Nonetheless, Saban did record a number of of the Crimson Tide’s candidates for the open roles.

JoJo Earle returns as a viable possibility on punt returns after averaging 5.5 yards on 16 makes an attempt final season. These numbers would have been a bit higher had a number of pricey penalties not worn out among the shifty receiver’s higher returns.

Saban additionally talked about Georgia switch receiver Jermaine Burton in addition to sophomore cornerback Kool-Assist McKinstry as potential punt returners. In line with sources ultimately weekend’s scrimmage, Christian Leary additionally took activates punt returns.

The primary title Saban talked about on kickoff returns is Georgia Tech switch, Jahmyr Gibbs. The junior operating again starred within the function for the Yellow Jackets final season, averaging 25.61 yards on 23 makes an attempt, together with a ​​98-yard return for a landing in opposition to Boston Faculty. An alternative choice is freshman receiver Aaron Anderson, who tallied greater than 20 returns for touchdowns throughout his highschool profession.

“We have got numerous guys that we’re working, however [we’re] not likely making an attempt to make any ultimate selections proper now as to who we predict can be the perfect,” Saban mentioned. “We’re simply making an attempt to develop every certainly one of them.”

Final 12 months, Earle and fellow receiver Slade Bolden cut up time on punt return duties, combining to common a modest 6.03 yards per try. Alabama fared higher on kickoff returns the place speedster Jameson Williams led the best way, averaging 35.2 yards on 10 returns whereas bringing two again for touchdowns.

As for the opposite a part of Alabama’s particular groups, the Crimson Tide returns sure-footed senior kicker Will Reichard in addition to redshirt sophomore punter James Burnip, who joined the staff from Australia final summer time. As well as, senior walk-on Jack Martin might additionally assistance on kickoffs.

After making all 98 of his mixed area targets and further factors in 2020, Reichard was 22 of 28 on area targets and 71 of 72 on additional factors final season. Earlier this spring, the Hoover, Ala., native mentioned he’s been engaged on constructing his power whereas fine-tuning a number of method points heading into what figures to be his ultimate season.

“After I got here right here there have been numerous various things I wished to do,” Reichard mentioned when requested about his legacy final week. “Among the issues I haven’t achieved but. Hopefully, I’ll be capable to accomplish them this 12 months by working arduous within the low season. Hopefully, it pays off. I actually need to be generally known as a man who got here in to work arduous each single day and gave it his all and lived with the consequence.”

Throughout his first season of American soccer, Burnip averaged a pedestrian 39.13 yards on 48 punts however was in a position to present an ample sufficient quantity of cling time to get rid of large returns. In line with sources, the Australian nonetheless hasn’t offered many lengthy punts in scrimmages however has been extraordinarily correct on his punts this spring.

Whereas it is perhaps arduous to achieve a lot perspective, the general public will be capable to see Alabama’s particular groups items in individual because the staff wraps up spring camp with its annual A-Day sport on Saturday at 2 p.m. CT. Admission to the scrimmage is free. It should even be streamed on SECN+ and ESPN+.

Alabama’s particular groups unit

Will Reichard, kicker

James Burnip, punter

JoJo Earle, punt return

Jermaine Burton, punt return

Kool-Assist McKinstry, punt return

Christian Leary, punt return

Jahmyr Gibbs, kick return

Aaron Anderson, kick return