If you think Alabama fans have been spoiled by the wealth of talent that has emerged at receiver over the last decade, imagine coaching that group.

Since 2008, Alabama has had five First Team All-American wideouts, two players make Freshman All-American, and one All-American TE. Additionally, another five players made All-SEC. Over that same 13-year span, Alabama produced three Biletnikoff winners and two other finalists for the nation’s best pass-catcher. Two wideouts were Heisman finalists, with Slim Reaper taking the trophy in 2020. Along the way, DeVonta Smith produced the best season by a wide receiver in the sport’s history. And, just for good measure, the NFL has drafted seven Tide pass-catchers and a TE in the first round…in the last decade.

WRU, indeed.

But, while all that Sunday talent was apparent on Saturdays, its exodus over the last two seasons, where ‘Bama lost five players to the First Round, was equally apparent. The Tide’s receiving room in 2021 was high on potential, long on youth, and introduced an unknown quantity in Ohio State transfer, Jameson Williams.

What were the results? Feast or famine would be the best way to describe ‘Bama’s output in 2021.

Superstars and missed opportunities

Jameson Williams was everything that Alabama could have possibly hoped for, and more. The RS Junior grabbed 79 passes for over 1500 yards and took 15 passes to the house with his elite speed and elusiveness. Among receivers with at least 40 catches, he led the nation in YPA, getting close to 20 yards every time the ball was in his hands. Along the way, he also became the nation’s most dangerous return man, was a first-team All-American, and a Biletnikoff finalist. From bench player to first round lock, no one made more money faster or changed a game quicker than JaMo.

However, it was the other side of the field where the sausage really got made. In two fewer games than JaMo, John Metchie III had almost 20 more catches, reeling in 96 in…