Nick Saban says Tyler Harrell reaching point where Alabama 'can start to use him'
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama is still searching for a consistent vertical element for its passing attack led by star quarterback Bryce Young. Personally, I think that could be freshman Isaiah Bond sooner rather than later, but another potential option is junior wide receiver Tyler Harrell.
Being a vertical option is exactly what the transfer was brought in to do, after all.
Unfortunately, Harrell has been dealing with a foot injury since before the season that has significantly slowed down his progress. There is good news, however. On Wednesday morning, Alabama coach Nick Saban shared a positive update on Harrell during the weekly SEC Coaches Teleconference.
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“He’s been practicing. He actually was available for the last game. He’s getting more and more reps, more and more comfortable with what he’s doing,” Saban told reporters. “There’s a possibility that he’s getting to the point where we can start to use him.”
That’s encouraging.
Harrell was one of five additions Alabama made in the transfer portal this offseason. Four of those five were on the offensive side of the ball where the team lost a significant amount of talent to the NFL. Jermaine Burton was brought in to play more of the John Metchie role. Meanwhile, Alabama was hoping that Harrell could replace at least some of the void left behind by Jameson Williams.
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Last season for the Cardinals, Harrell brought in 18 catches for 523 yards. That’s an average of 29.1 yards per catch, which is an absurd number. The 6-foot, 194-pound pass-catcher also hauled in six touchdowns on those 18 receptions — also an absurd rate of efficiency.
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So far, that production hasn’t translated to Tuscaloosa. But from the sound of it, Harrell could be on the field, at least in some capacity, at some point in the near future. If that happens, it’ll be interesting to see what his role — including snap and target shares — look like.
More than likely, his presence will benefit others more than himself. But I could also see him adding a few explosive plays downfield, if he’s up for the challenge. If not, I believe Alabama has a suitable option being groomed in Bond, who is already beginning to make that sort of impact.
Harrell was ranked as the No. 66 transfer during this past cycle, according to the 2021 On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.
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