Traeshon Holden opens up on his chemistry with Bryce Young

Traeshon Holden has been the go-to target in the Alabama pass game this season. A lot of that comes from his connection with quarterback Bryce Young. As two California kids and former roommates, it’s paid dividends for the pair as they’re now seeing that chemistry matter on the field for the Tide.

Holden talked about his relationship with Young after Alabama’s 63-7 win over UL-Monroe. He said their time together and work from high school to now has made life easy for the both of them.

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“We were roommates. With the chemistry, we’ll stay after practice, we’ll watch film together. We’ve been doing this since high school. It’s just regular,” said Holden.

While Young was from Santa Ana and went to Mater Dei High School, Holden is from Harbor City and went to Narbonne. After crossing paths on the west coast, both would commit to Nick Saban as part of the 2020 recruiting class.

The start of Holden’s junior year has him well on his way to having a breakout season. He has 12 catches for 169 yards and three touchdowns over three games for Alabama. That gives him the current lead for Tide receivers in catches and yards as well as the team lead for touchdowns.

Even with all the talent on the Alabama offense, Traeshon Holden has been one of their stories on that side of the football thus far. His history and current chemistry with Young just so happens to make that make even more sense. With that advantage and the productive pace he’s currently on, Holden is well on his way to being yet another great receiver for the Crimson Tide.

Bryce Young explains how Traeshon Holden has embraced his opportunity at Alabama

Alabama might have a new wide receiver blossoming into its next NFL-bound star. Junior wideout Traeshon Holden had a bit of a breakout in the first game of the 2022 season. He hauled in five catches for 70 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Utah State.

Few people were more excited for Holden than quarterback Bryce Young, who is glad to see his 2020 classmate breakout into another explosive option for him in the passing game. After the game, Young praised Holden, saying he could tell a breakout was in store from the way he had practiced.

“Yeah I think he’s been very consistent in his preparation. He shows up to practice every day. He always knows what’s going on. He’s paying attention. He’s studying the playbook, the game plan. Especially this week, you could tell he definitely took ownership, being comfortable and knowing what to do a. I think it showed.”

“He looked really good. He always knew what’s going on and obviously he’s kind of — it’s new to everyone, seeing him for the first time on game day. But he’s been working really hard consistently throughout his time here. We came in together, so I’ve seen him grow, I’ve seen him work hard.”

Bryce Young also mentioned how he’s glad to see Holden finally seize his opportunity after being a backup for a couple seasons.

“Obviously, you know, just how things have played out, he’s had to wait his turn. But he’s been working really hard. He’s a really smart guy. Really, really good player, developed a lot. So, you know, it definitely wasn’t something that surprised me or anything. I definitely knew he’d be ready. He prepares like a professional. So I’m excited to keep building with him and the rest of offense.”

This was only one performance so far for Holden so he’ll need to remain consistent. But he certainly seems like a much bigger part of the offense than a year ago. Though, in 2021, he still got on the field plenty. Holden only appeared in 11 of the Crimson Tide’s 15 games but caught 21 total passes for 239 yards and a touchdown. Bryce Young hit him for two Saturday alone.

It’s a transition year for the wide receiver group as a whole. They lost Jameson Williams and John Metchie while starting a completely new cast vs. Utah State than they did in 2021. So Holden very well could nab primary targets going forward if he continues to perform like this.