JoJo Earle skyrocketing up Crimson Tide depth chart

Alabama entered the preseason with big roles to fill in the wide receiver room. The Crimson Tide has had a true freshman emerge as a real option in the pass game this season.

Alabama released its first depth chart of the season on Monday, and true freshman JoJo Earle debuted next to Slade Bolden at the H wideout position.

“JoJo’s had a really good camp, very quick, very fast,” Nick Saban said. “Really good in and out of a break, really good route runner, very consistent catcher. So, he’s done a really good job and obviously he’ll have some opportunity to play in the game.”

While DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle were each drafted in the opening round of April’s draft, Alabama had to find new playmakers. John Metchie is expected to be a huge part of the Crimson Tide’s offense, and Saban added Ohio State receiver Jameson Williams through the transfer portal.

Earle could be the third weapon used by Bryce Young. The true freshman did not enroll until this summer but Monday’s depth chart shows he is a serious contender to be a starter when Alabama kicks off the season Saturday against Miami.

A four-star recruit and the No. 49 overall prospect in the On300 class of 2021 rankings, he had 27 offers coming out of Aledo High School (Texas). Earle picked Alabama over LSU. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound receiver can be a go-to option in the slot for the Crimson Tide.

Depth in the Alabama wide receiver room

Bryce Young will have an impressive cast of weapons to throw to. Along with Metchie, Bolden, Williams and Earlie, freshmen Agiye Hall and Christian Leary are expected to contribute this season. At tight end, Jahleel Billingsley is expected to be one of Alabama’s top offensive weapons, but could be limited to start the year, after missing the first couple practices of fall camp. At running back, expect to see a rotation of Brian Robinson Jr, Trey Sanders and Jase McClellan in the backfield with young.

Young takes over for Mac Jones, who led Alabama to last season’s national championship and was taken in the first round of the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. As a freshman, Young sat behind Jones but appeared in nine games. He finished the year 13-of-22 passing for 156 yards and a touchdown.

The sophomore now is tasked with running the Alabama offense.

“I’ve been really pleased with Bryce (Young),” Saban said earlier this month. “I’ve been pleased with his attitude, I’ve been pleased with his performance and we just need the people around him to play a little bit better on a more consistent basis.”