Alabama teammates impressed with freshman WR Jalen Hale
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama senior defensive back Malachi Moore said he first took notice of freshman wide receiver Jalen Hale during the Crimson Tide’s training this summer.
It’s why the veteran hasn’t been surprised by the newcomer’s increased role and success.
“He’s been coming along very well,” said Moore of Hale on Tuesday. “I’m excited for him. I think he’s gonna be a great player for us.”
Hale has played in three of Alabama’s four games so far this season, but he has played a more meaningful role each of the last two weeks. Last Saturday against Ole Miss, the freshman saw the field on the Crimson Tide’s third offensive series and played the sixth-most snaps (19) of the wide receivers on Alabama’s 2023 roster, according to Pro Football Focus.
Hale paced the Crimson Tide with 63 receiving yards and one touchdown on just two catches as he continued to see his workload increase, but the first-year wideout still has work to do.
“He did a good job, made some big plays,” head coach Nick Saban said. “I think the big thing with Jalen being a young player is, you’ve got to know what to do on every play so you can go play fast and do your job.
“So we need to work hard with him to try to get him to where he needs to be and make sure that he’s out there playing with confidence and a good understanding of the overall system of what we’re trying to get done on each and every play.”
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Hale was the No. 7 wide receiver and 38th-best overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting cycle, per the On3 Industry Rankings. One of four wideouts who signed with Alabama in December, Hale is the only freshman at his position to earn reps with the first-team offense, and he also sees the field on special teams, covering kickoffs during his three appearances this fall.
Last week’s 24-10 win over Ole Miss was Hale’s most involved yet from an offensive standpoint, and he was responsible for a key play in the contest, hauling in a 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Milroe that gave UA a 17-7 lead midway through the third quarter.
“Jalen Hale has had a great offseason since he’s been here,” Milroe said. “I think the biggest thing from Jalen is how hungry he’s been. And then just trying to get better. Jalen Hale has done a great job for us. He’s a great component for our offense, and I’m looking forward to see what else he can do for our offense.”
Hale has impressed his older teammates on both sides of the ball after the first four games.
“I feel like the kid has worked,” cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry said. “Coming in as a freshman, just me being a freshman in the same position he is now, whether you’re going to play whether you’re not going to play, I feel like he’s done a good job of just working, keeping his head down, staying grounded, just working at being the best player he can be.
“I feel like the kid works very hard, and it’s showing.”
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