Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Throughout its illustrious history, Alabama football has boasted some absolutely electric kick returners. A dangerous kick returner can change the course of a game at any moment. They cause incessant headaches for opposing special teams coaches, and are among the most exciting players for fans to watch.
David Palmer and Javier Arenas are the two best kick returners in school history. Freddie Milons and Tyrone Prothro are also notable as former Alabama kick returners.
In the Nick Saban era, Alabama has had elite athletes and therefore has consistently fielded special teams game-breakers. To start Saban’s tenure, Arenas was one of the best return men in the country for three straight seasons before passing the torch to Marquis Maze in 2010. Maze was followed by Christion Jones, Cyrus Jones, and Kenyan Drake, whose kickoff return touchdown in the 2015 National Championship game sealed the title for the Crimson Tide.
Eddie Jackson, who was a menace in the open field, took over the responsibility in 2016. The explosive Jaylen Waddle handled punt return duties for two and a half seasons before being injured against Tennessee in 2020. He was replaced by Devonta Smith, who proved to be almost equally dangerous. In 2021, transfer addition Jameson Williams gave Alabama a huge spark on offense as well as special teams.
This season, it is not certain who will return kicks for Alabama football. It is also a question as to whether the Tide will continue to have a game-changing player field kicks. Jojo Earle, who was steady but far from explosive in his punt return opportunities last season, seemed to have the job locked down before suffering an injury in fall camp. Alabama has a lot of options to choose from, but it is now unknown who will claim the job.
Junior transfers Jermaine Burton and Jahmyr Gibbs are probably the most trustworthy candidates. Gibbs in particular has the capability to be a difference maker at the position and will likely return kickoffs, while Burton will compete to return punts. Sophomore cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry and freshman running back/wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson could also receive opportunities.
Alabama has no shortage of other speedy options in its receiver room, such as Louisville transfer Tyler Harrell, sophomore Christian Leary, and a bevy of true freshmen.
A big-time kick returner can be the difference in a game, or the difference in winning a championship or not. I am excited to see if Alabama football can develop a dangerous return man in 2022.
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