🏈 McCoys comments on the receiving corps

[Nothing_But_A_Winner00]

I was linked this thanks to the news bot. His comments about the unity of the WR group, versus last year, are encouraging.

But his relationship with McElroy is far different than it was with Wilson, who was particularly tight with Jones.
"Me and Greg, we came in together, and we've always been close," McCoy said. "With J.P. and I, we weren't as close. Me and Greg, we hang out together, we go eat together, he'll come over to my place, I'll go over to his apartment. It's different."
McCoy is not the only one. McElroy also takes the offensive linemen out sometimes as he focuses on emerging as a leader.
"There's a lot more unity on the team," McCoy said.

 

[BamaJay73]

I really think Bama's O will surprise some people this Fall. :smile:

 

[psychojoe]

It will be nice if this group can step up its all around production. They were surprisingly good at run blocking last year, something many would consider the hardest part of the receiver position. We need a solid plan B on pass plays when Julio attracts double coverage.

 

[AlabamaAubKiller]

It will be nice if this group can step up its all around production. They were surprisingly good at run blocking last year, something many would consider the hardest part of the receiver position. We need a solid plan B on pass plays when Julio attracts double coverage.

I couldn't agree more. Pretty much hit the nail on the head there.
They way the guys are talking up the TE's & recivers this spring....
I'm expecting to see a lot more out of the passing game than last year.
Coach is all about offensive balance IMO. Something we didnt have a enough of last season. Don't get me wrong i love the pound, pound, pound of the run game we have....but i'd also love to see more big yardage pass plays to draw them off the line of scrimmage.

 

[rolltidedrew]

here is the whole article:
Alabama receivers put in extra work, look for their day in the sun.


TUSCALOOSA -- To ease the acclimation process with a new quarterback, the Alabama receivers have put in extra work in the offseason. But that's not what makes Mike McCoy optimistic.

Mike McCoy is working hard to be a go-to guy for the Crimson Tide in 2009.


For the senior from Rankin, Miss., it's the differences from 2008 that lead him to believe in more widespread contributions from the pass-catching corps.


"Everybody was doing their own thing, not really focused, last year," said McCoy, the team's second-leading receiver with 16 catches for 324 yards. "But this year, there's a lot of closeness, togetherness. Everybody has each other's back.
"

In a 2008 that included a perfect regular season, and star freshman Julio Jones emerged to make 58 catches for 924 yards with four touchdowns. He's a given. But of the top four receivers, two were tight end Nick Walker and running back Glen Coffee.


The goal is for Alabama to spread the ball around more, with more receivers catching more balls for longer gains. The goal is to give Jones receiving support.


"There's been a lot more depth within this past year (with) the wide receiving corps where you can make it very difficult for a defense to cover one guy," tight end Colin Peek said. "That (hindered) us (offensively) at some points with Julio getting the ball so much, even though he's an incredible athlete. Spreading the ball around gives us more firepower.
"

Will the 6-foot-2, 205-pound McCoy benefit? He thinks so.


Through 10 practices, quarterback Greg McElroy is leading the battle to replace three-year starter John Parker Wilson. And McCoy has nothing against the Hoover native.


But his relationship with McElroy is far different than it was with Wilson, who was particularly tight with Jones.


"Me and Greg, we came in together, and we've always been close," McCoy said. "With J.P. and I, we weren't as close. Me and Greg, we hang out together, we go eat together, he'll come over to my place, I'll go over to his apartment. It's different.
"

McCoy is not the only one. McElroy also takes the offensive linemen out sometimes as he focuses on emerging as a leader.


"There's a lot more unity on the team," McCoy said.


Last year, there was a season-long mystery as to which receiver would step up besides Jones. None did, thanks in part to some near-misses and ill-timed penalties.


There were possibilities.


Sophomore Marquis Maze is the speedster, junior Earl Alexander is the physical receiver, junior Darius Hanks is the quick threat in the slot, McCoy is the well-rounded outside receiver and that's just to name four. In fact, all receivers are exceptionally talented players and all seem to have a "step up attitude" with unity as the binding attribute this time around. It's not about one man, but rather, get open and give the QB as many targets as possible, no matter who that may be. The individual stats are secondary. "Team first is the priority" has echoed throughout all of spring practice.


Of the returners, only McCoy and Maze had touchdowns and double-digit catches in 2008.


Those who defend them in practice speak of improvement and a renewed understanding.


"They're going to have a big impact next year and take some of the pressure off Julio," safety Ali Sharrief said. "And (Jones) will open it up for some other guys.
"

Some, like Hanks, have made physical improvements. He's gained 13 pounds since last season in attempt to make himself more durable. Others, just knowledge.


"I had my role last year, I played it, but this year, I want to have a much bigger role," Hanks said. "You got to be a physical guy, and I kind of lacked that last year. That's the focus for me this year.
"

The first scrimmage offered promise, with Maze catching three passes for 59 yards, McCoy catching three balls for 39 yards and a touchdown and Hanks making six catches for 34 yards.


"Everybody is getting their touches," McCoy said. "We have a lot of weapons on this offense, we just didn't get a chance to use them as much last year.
"

 

[ElephantStomp]

I like the idea of us having a more wide spread attack. I think our lack of it last year killed us int he bowl game when we were down so much and had to throw the ball we couldn't.

Cory

 

[Tider27]

I really love the sound of this team coming together. I'm sure Greg has a good relationship with Julio, it's inevitable really...if he just throws it in his direction. (-insert grin smiley-)

 

[firestorm]

I love to see how McCoy speaks out about chemistry and knowledge. I always tought this group really got talent besides Julio's, but JPW was never on the same page with them. Well, Darius Hanks struggled to keep him healthy along the season, but out of Julio, the production was terrible...

However, I still trust in Hanks and McCoy habilities... Not so much on Alexander's.

Anyway, I don't have any doubt somebody is gonna make a leap on the receiving corp.

RTR,

 

[NTT]

i have a feeling that Michael Bowman and Kendall Kelly are going to have alot to say about who is opposite Julio.

 

[ElephantStomp]

i have a feeling that Michael Bowman and Kendall Kelly are going to have alot to say about who is opposite Julio.

I agree. Pretty sure those two aren't just going to stand back and let the other guys decide who's opposite of Julio.

Cory

 

[kc]

I really love the sound of this team coming together. I'm sure Greg has a good relationship with Julio, it's inevitable really...if he just throws it in his direction. (-insert grin smiley-)

For some reason (and it was mainly AS and they way he handled himself after he went pro), but I felt we might still have had some hang over from the past regime last year. I think it is full speed ahead with out anything in tow this year.

 

[thebutcher]

Good to hear...RTR!!!!

 

[buckfever]

I feel like Colin Peak will become a HUGE part of our attack. Kind of like when Novachek was playing with the Dallas Cowboys. Julio will stretch the field while he will reel in those short posession passes.