Alabama receiving corps growing stronger

TUSCALOOSA — If there is strength in numbers, Julio Jones could really enjoy his return to the Alabama lineup this week.

Jones missed all of last Saturday’s victory over North Texas after he bruised his knee on the fifth play of the Florida International game.

In his absence, Alabama has shown more depth at the wide receiver position — and quarterback Greg McElroy’s willingness to spread to the ball around.

In those two games, McElroy and backup Star Jackson completed passes to 12 different players, including three running backs. Mike McCoy has caught eight passes in the last two games. Marquis Maze had four receptions against North Texas.

Alabama running back Mark Ingram, who leads the team with 10 catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns, said Jones may see a little less attention from defenses when he returns.

“Last year, he used to draw double and triple coverages,” Ingram said of Jones, who was a Freshman All-American last season. “But now that we have a lot of receivers stepping up, I don’t think they’re going to be able to do that to him. With him coming back right now, it’s just going to be another weapon out there, another headache for the defense to deal with.”

The Razorbacks had a big headache last week. Georgia sophomore wide receiver A.J. Green caught seven passes for 137 yards, including touchdowns of 25 and 28 yards, in the Bulldogs’ 52-41 victory.

Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino said his defense will see a similar threat from Jones.

“They’re both very explosive, both have good size and long arms and can go up and get the ball,” Petrino said Monday. “I hope we do better against Julio.”

If Arkansas is determined to stop the Alabama running game and stop Jones, McElroy has other options.

“I know Julio’s anxious to get back out there, but we have more capable guys than we did a couple weeks ago,” the junior quarterback said. “I think in their minds — I always had faith in all our guys — but until they get out there and prove themselves on Saturday, I can’t imagine they had a ton of confidence. Getting the ball in those guys’ hands, allowing them to make plays has been easy for me the last couple weeks.”

Alabama coach Nick Saban said the Crimson Tide has always wanted more receivers involved in the attack.

“I even think in the first game when Julio played, there were some other guys that made really big plays in the game,” Saban said. “I think that it’s probably important for our team. ... I think what’s happened to this point has probably helped our offense. The chemistry that the quarterback has with those guys is good. And I think they have confidence in each other and I think that’s a good sign.”

Part of that chemistry is helped when every eligible receiver expects to get the ball on every snap, McElroy said.

“You have guys that are staying into it,” he said. “In the past you had some problems with not all the wide receivers not staying into it because so much focus has been on one.

“When everyone has the opportunity to get the ball on every single snap, it allows the offense to be much more successful. ... Guys are running good routes; they’ll be really paying attention and taking lots of pride in their assignments. I think that’s one of the reasons we’ve had so much success up to this point on offense, is that so many guys are touching the ball.”

It’s not only the wide receivers or running backs. Tight ends and H-backs like Colin Peek, Preston Dial and Brad Smelley have made key receptions, often as second or third options.

Peek credited offensive coordinator Jim McElwain’s game plans and McElroy’s ability to check down if the primary target isn’t open.

“It’s always nice to know that if someone is covered up, he’s going through the whole progression,” Peek said. “Last year I think some problems were we may eye one player by himself and the rest of the team is lost in translation — and then you’re forced to either take a sack or throw the ball away.

“I think Greg has done a tremendous job that, even on blown plays, he’s finding someone who may be open to be able to make some positive yards happen.”
Ingram said he was the “last option” on his 29-yard short pass and run for a touchdown last Saturday.

But McElroy doesn’t want to be misunderstood: He’d rather have a healthy Julio Jones.

“You never want to have a guy out like Julio. He’s a game-tested player and can change the game at the snap of your fingers,” the quarterback said. “But I think one of the good things of him sitting out the last couple of games is getting other guys some experience. ... That increases their confidence, and I know that they’re ready to make plays again this week, even if Julio comes back.”

Jones practiced Monday and Tuesday and is expected to be in the lineup.

“Wouldn’t you figure he’d be ready for us?” Petrino asked.