Alabama State football has 12 scholarship receivers, but one needs to stand out
When former Alabama State football wide receiver Jalen Jones left the team in the transfer portal during the offseason, he left behind a massive void. Jones was the fifth receiver in Alabama State's history to eclipse 1,000 yards receiving in a single season.
Alabama State coach Eddie Robinson Jr. says the Hornets aren't trying to manufacture the next Jones. Last year's featured receiver emerged naturally, and the coaching staff expects this year's room to sort itself out similarly.
"We didn't say that, hey, we're going to feature Jalen (Jones)," Robinson said. "We just kind of took it." This approach worked last year, and Robinson believes it will happen again this year.
The receiving room at Alabama State features a lot of possible candidates, including Alabama A&M transfer Franck Pierre and Kareem Keye, who has received a lot of touches during camp.
During Alabama State's first scrimmage on Aug. 8, Randall King emerged with flashes of his big play potential. King even surprised Robinson with his speed. "I think we've got a lot of guys who can make plays at a high level," Robinson said. "So to me, it's hard to say who's going to be the guy. Hopefully, we'll have a couple of them."
Alabama State doesn't know who the guy will be yet — and Robinson appears comfortable letting the season determine that. The Hornets will do what they did last year, evolve with the receiver who emerges.
The coaching staff at Alabama State is confident that a receiver will emerge this year, but they're not rushing the process. Instead, they're letting the season play out and seeing who rises to the top.
Alabama State's receiving room is a talented one, and with 12 scholarship receivers, there are plenty of options to choose from. But for now, the team is waiting to see who will be the one to step up and fill the void left by Jalen Jones.
Source: Yahoo Sports