Brian Branch gives his initial impressions of new Alabama receiver Jermaine Burton

Georgia may have toppled Alabama in the National Championship game, but Nick Saban still came away with a small victory in wide receiver Jermaine Burton. Behind freshman tight end phenom Brock Bowers, Burton was the Bulldogs’ leading receiver — and the top among the team’s wideouts. Following the conclusion of the College Football Playoff, he hopped in the portal and right across the conference to Alabama.

Alabama safety Brian Branch has already gotten a good look at this year’s receiving room, including Burton. He was asked recently about Burton and several other wideouts, and answered that he was impressed by the former Bulldog.

“Jermaine is a really good receiver. He can catch the ball good. He has great route running and he has speed too. It’s another great receiver coming to ‘Bama, so…looking forward to it.”

He also singled out a pair of rising sophomores in the receiving corp, which you can read about below.

Brian Branch on Jojo Earle, Christian Leary

Two home-grown talents also caught Branch’s eye in early practices. During that same press conference, he singled out Christian Leary and Jojo Earle as guys who have flashed heading into their second seasons.

“Route-running wise, both of them have improved on that. And they already have the speed. Those are two very good slot receivers, I think, that have a great chance of going and playing at the next level in my eyes. That’s pretty much it.”

Leary was a sparse participant as a freshman, though he did catch a few passes and carry the ball a few times. Meanwhile Jojo Earle was a primary punt returner and caught 12 passes for 148 yards during his first season. According to Branch, breakout years may be in store for both.

Surprise surprise, Alabama is stacked at wideout once again.