5 Alabama players to watch in NC game who will play against Miami football in 2021 opener

Sophomore Wide Receiver John Metchie

Sophomore wide receiver John Metchie is the heir apparent to Devonta Smith who became the first player other than a quarterback or running back earlier this week to win the Heisman Trophy since Desmond Howard did for Michigan in 1991. Smith is almost certainly headed to the NFL after Monday’s championship game.

Metchie has 47 receptions for 835 yards and six TDs entering the National Championship Game on Monday night. Smith has 105 receptions 1,641 yards and 20 TDs. Metchie had two breakout games this season. In the second game of 2020, Metchie had five receptions for 181 yards and two TDs against Texas A&M.

Three weeks later against Tennessee Metchie had seven receptions for 151 yards. Smith could be covered by 2020 consensus All-American Shaun Wade. Metchie was able to have a breakout season this year when Jaylen Waddle fractured his ankle. Head coach Nick Saban said Waddle could return against Ohio State.

Waddle had 25 receptions for 557 receiving yards and four TDs in five games before suffering the injury. Metchie will be a key against Ohio State. Waddle leads the Crimson Tide averaging 22.3 yards per reception. Metchie is second at 17.8 YPC and Smith is fourth averaging 15.6 YPC.