JoJo Earle Has a Real Chance to See Serious Playing Time in 2021
At Alabama, it is rare for any freshman, whether it be on offense or defense, to play meaningful snaps in their first season barring injuries to veterans ahead of them. Jaylen Waddle was an exception to this rule during the 2018 season, but is it possible we could see a repeat of this in 2021?
In an offense completely chocked full of new faces, everyone starts from square one and you have to earn your place. Over this summer and fall camp, JoJo Earle seems to have possibly done just that.
With the kickoff to the Crimson Tide's season now less than a week away and the release of Alabama's first official depth chart headed into the matchup against the Miami Hurricanes, Earle has found himself in a much more favorable position than is customary for a freshman at The Capstone.
"JoJo's had a really good camp. Very quick, very fast. Really good in and out of a break. Really good route runner. Very consistent catcher. Done a really good job and, obviously, you know have some opportunity to play in the game," said coach Saban in his Monday media availability.
On the depth chart that came out at the start of the week, Earle was listed as a co-starter in the slot behind Slade Bolden and as the co-starter at punt returner, listed ahead of Bolden.
Alabama fans should be supremely excited about the speed and electricity that JoJo Earle can bring into an offense that while supremely talented, lacks a cohesive identity thus far in that they have not played a game together yet. Earle even has his new quarterback excited about his potential as well.
"JoJo has done a great job, he came in and we were all really excited when he got in. Seeing what he's done on the practice field, seeing the work he's put in. It has a really positive impression on a lot of people on the team and a lot of people on the coaching staff. We're all really excited to see JoJo and he's been doing a lot and he's been working really hard. We all kind of notice that and see the professionalism he's coming with and so we're excited for that," said Bryce Young on Monday.
With the season now just days away, Alabama fans should do themselves a favor and get to know the name JoJo Earle. There is a certain sneaking suspicion in the air that tells me it will not be long before all of college football gets to know the name JoJo Earle as well.