• Fighting for playing time? Consider special teams •

• 2023 Bama Sports 2023 •  Tuscaloosa, AL Roydell Williams entered Tuscaloosa as the highest-rated prospect in the state of Alabama, ready to make an impact on the Crimson Tide’s backfield. The Hueytown star had totaled over 6,000 career all-purpose yards and scored 92 total touchdowns. And with that stardom came little reps on special teams, an aspect of the game that can be used to conserve top players’ energy. Not at Alabama, though. When Williams and fellow class of 2020 new running back Jase McClellan found themselves looking up at Brian Robinson and Najee Harris on the depth chart. Before Williams and McClellan, now seniors, took a handoff, they were recording snaps for the Crimson Tide special teams unit. It’s less of a rite of passage and more of a way to seize opportunity. It’s important to note that he and Williams weren’t returners. In fact, McClellan’s lone career special teams touchdown came when he scooped and scored a blocked punt. McClellan said playing on special teams helps him in “getting a feel” for the game, while a majority of his handoffs came late in blowouts. Last fall, even third-leading wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks blocked a punt against Louisiana-Monroe. This fall, with the three running backs already rostered — Jam Miller, McClellan and Williams — being paired with a pair of blue-chip freshmen in Justice Haynes and Richard Young, another question asked in fall camp. With talent spread around the room, how can each of them see the field? On the returning front, Alabama should have punts covered with Kool-Aid McKinstry around for at least his junior season. Saban also noted second-year wide reciever Isaiah Bond, freshman safety Caleb Downs and freshman receiver Cole Adams as other options on punts. Sophomores Kendrick Law and Emanuel Henderson, himself a former highly-recruited in-state running back, on kickoff duty. • ROLLING WITH THE TIDE •