Nick Saban praises WR Jermaine Burton's 'consistency in performance' in Year 2 at Alabama

More than anything from the wide receiver room this season, Alabama was looking for some consistency. Having quality players at the position for years, the standard has certainly dipped. However, not having a consistent and reliable target really hampered Bryce Young. The hope was Jalen Milroe would not have the same issues.

Thus far, Jermaine Burton has been a quality target for Milroe. Burton actually caught three touchdown passes on Saturday against Texas but two were called back due to penalties. When called upon, Burton has been there for the offense, and head coach Nick Saban is noticing.

“He’s done really well so far this year,” Saban said during Wednesday’s SEC Coaches Teleconference. “Obviously, not his fault somebody committed a penalty when he had the opportunity to make a play. His consistency and performance have been very good. I think at this point, we’re very pleased with the progress he’s made.

“We want him to continue to develop and show the maturity and dependability that you need to have to be an outstanding player. Which, he is certainly capable of being and has been for us.”

Through two games, Burton has five catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns. He’s averaging 24 yards per reception, with the longest being 49 yards against Texas. It was the touchdown catch that actually counted for him giving Alabama a 16-13 lead at the time.

Burton will head into the USF game as the team’s leading receiver as well. Isaiah Bond is not too far behind, though, having 110 yards and a touchdown on six receptions.

Jermaine Burton looking to continue consistency from end of 2022 season

Burton became more of a consistent pass catcher toward the end of the 2022 season. In the final four games of the year, he caught at least three passes for over 50 yards. Four touchdowns were scored as well, becoming a weapon for Young.

In the two losses Alabama suffered, Burton had just four receptions for 68 yards. He did not get into the end zone against either Tennessee or LSU.

Alabama does not need Burton to turn into one of the few first-round picks they have had at wide receiver over the past few years. Just being a reliable player would be good enough. Saban is already enjoying the performances for Burton and is excited to see how his development continues over the next 10 games.