John Metchie III Added to The Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch L

Alabama wide receiver John Metchie III was added to the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List on Thursday. Three Alabama receivers have won the award in the last seven years, including DeVonta Smith this past season, Amari Cooper in 2014, and Jerry Jeudy in 2018.

As a sophomore in 2020, Metchie reeled in 55 catches for 916 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games. He had his breakout performance in Week 2 against Texas A&M where caught five passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns.

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“John Metchie is a very mature player, a very mature guy,” said Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban on Wednesday at SEC Media Days. “He’s a guy that has always set a good example and been somebody that other players can emulate with the example that he sets. He’s been a good leader in that group, and a lot of the players respond to him in a positive way because he has a very serving personality. He’s not confrontational, but he’s very helpful.”

With the departure of DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle, Metchie will move into the No. 1 wide receiver role for the Crimson Tide offense this season. He was asked on Wednesday about stepping into a leadership position. "I think it's a role I'm embracing, having learned from all the guys before me. I'm definitely excited about it. I'm looking forward to being able to teach the young guys things and definitely lead the receiver room. So I'm definitely looking forward to that."

Alabama is set to begin fall camp on Thursday, Aug. 5 before taking on Miami on Saturday, Sept. 4 in Atlanta.