COLLEGE FOOTBALL 2014
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THE TUSCALOOSA NEWS
Catching on Experienced group of receivers should step up for Tide offense wide receiver
While questions swirl about inexperience at quarterback, there’s no problem on the outside, as the Crimson Tide returns a host of productive, experienced players in 2014. Upperclassmen Amari Cooper, Christion Jones and DeAndrew White headline that group. At all skill positions combined, Alabama returns 78 percent of its receptions from a season ago and lost only one player — Kevin Norwood — who accounted for more than 15 catches. Cooper, White and Jones are all back off 30-plus reception seasons.
Returning starters: 2. Amari Cooper, Christion Jones Starter lost: Kevin Norwood u
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Newcomer to watch Chris Black has been on campus for two seasons, but 2014 should be a chance for the former top 100 recruit to shine. He caught only eight passes in reserve duty last season, but the loss of Norwood could create an opening for Black to put his athleticism on display.
Outlook Alabama’s offense is loaded at the skill positions. After a 1,000-yard breakout season as a freshman in 2012, Cooper regressed a bit thanks to a lingering foot injury in 2013. Still, that regression wasn’t too shabby; he led the team in catches (45) and yards (736). He’s considered by many to be the top draft-eligible wideout for 2015. Accomplished wideouts White and Jones return to give the starting unit plenty of experience, and behind them are promising young stars like Chris Black and Robert Foster.
You need to know Alabama’s returning receivers accounted for 125 catches and 12 receiving touchdowns in 2013. compiled by d.c. reeves
Quotable “Everyone is going to be everywhere this year. There’s not going to be a certain position, a certain place you’re going to be set in stone. Our tight ends will be out wide, our receivers will be inside by the tight ends. Our wide receivers in the backfield, our running backs out wide. Coach Lane Kiffin brings a lot to the table as I’ve said before that no one is stationary, everyone is moving around. It will be exciting to get into the offense like we want to once the season comes around.” — WR Christion Jones on the new changes expected with Alabama’s offense in 2014.
299 Amid two losses to end last season, Cooper ended his year on a high note. He collected 15 catches for 299 yards and a touchdown in the losses to Auburn and Oklahoma.
staff photos | robert sutton
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