🏈 Younger Bama receivers benefit from bowl practice

Besides going back to basics with a camp-like atmosphere in practice early this week, Alabama coach Nick Saban wanted the younger players to have extra work.

Wide receivers are of keen interest. Two of the three starters are seniors DeAndrew White and Christion Jones. Junior Amari Cooper is the third, but considering that he is the top-ranked receiver for the NFL draft, he is not likely to return for another season.

ArDarius Stewart, Cam Sims, Robert Foster and Chris Black can use these extra practices for the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl and a possible appearance in the national title game to prepare for next season. Stewart needs to catch up after missing time with a minor knee injury.

“The three young receivers that we have — ArDarius Stewart, Robert and Cam, as well as Chris Black — have all really made a lot of progress this year,” Saban said. “They haven’t gotten to play maybe as much as we would like, and hopefully their time will come in which they can all make contributions.”

Black has been the most productive this season with 13 receptions for 178 yards. Stewart has 12 catches for 149 yards.

“They did a great job,” quarterback Blake Sims said. “They realize how important things are on the field when they play and learn from their mistakes and become a better players.”

Cam Sims caught seven passes and scored a touchdown. Saban likes the mismatches he can create because of his 6-foot-4 height against smaller defensive backs.

“Cam has done a real nice job all year long. We have lots of confidence in him as a receiver,” Saban said. “I know as a young player he had a drop or two early in the season, but he makes a lot of catches in practice. He is physical. He is tough.”


Decatur Daily—Continue reading...
 
Caveat: I may have a day wrong here...but, for what it's worth in terms of where they're practicing and when...

Saturday was the 5th practice of the bowl season. They are still on campus and will practice the next three days (Sun-Tues) and then get two days off for Christmas. They will be doing something on the 26th in Tuscaloosa though I don't know if it's full-pads or shells. It's about the same on the 27th...it won't be a full contact, two hour kind of workout. The team will be in New Orleans on the 27th and are scheduled to practice four days there.

(pretty sure that's right now that I read it...)
 
I think ArDarius Stewart has next, he really was coming into his own when he got hurt. He and Black could be a DEADLY combination of speed. Add Cameron Sims big frame and Robert Foster (who reminds me of Amari when I watch him in terms of size, speed, and the way he moves), this group of young receivers may be the best we've seen yet. They just have to keep developing. Playing behind guys like Coop and White have to be a blessing for them.
 
The layoff between games is beneficial for all of our younger guys because of the extra work thet receive. It is also good for our guys who have been banged up this season, getting some much needed rest.
 

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