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BamaInsider Top 40 for 2020: Jaylen Waddle takes the No. 2 spot

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BamaInsider continues to unveil its annual top-40 list for the Alabama football team. Players were rated based on their projected impact for the Crimson Tide this season. Today we move on to No. 2 with Alabama’s most electric player, Jaylen Waddle.

40-36 | 35-31 | 30-26 | 25-21 | 20-16 | 15-11 | 10-6 | 5 | 4 | 3

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2019 stats

— 33 receptions

— 560 receiving yards

— 16 receiving touchdowns

— 16.97 yards per reception

— 24.35 yards per punt return (led the nation)

— 35.00 yards per kick return (led the team)

— 1 punt return TD

— 1 kick return TD

Best performance

Over his first two seasons at Alabama, Waddle has provided Crimson Tide fans with several jaw-dropping moments. However, last year’s Iron Bowl was the first time he truly demonstrated the full extent of his game-changing ability. While Alabama ultimately ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard, Waddle put on a show, torching the Tigers for 98 yards and three touchdowns on four receptions while returning three kickoffs for a total of 132 yards, including a 98-yard touchdown dash.

Each one of Waddle’s scores highlighted an aspect of his playmaking ability. The 98-yard kick return in the second quarter showed off his 4.2 speed. So did the 58-yard touchdown reception he scored later in the quarter when he caught a hitch from Mac Jones around midfield before sprinting past three Auburn defenders. In the third quarter, Waddle’s crisp route-running ability helped him secure a 12-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone. His final score of the game — a 28-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter — saw him out jump Auburn cornerback Javaris Davis to secure a ball in the end zone.

Possible milestones

Forget team milestones for a minute, Waddle has an outside chance of setting an NCAA record in punt return this season. Entering his junior year, the elusive playmaker is averaging 20.0 yards on 36 career punt returns. Former Oklahoma quarterback Jack Mitchell holds the all-time mark averaging 23.6 yards per return on 39 attempts from 1946-48. Meanwhile, former Texas A&M receiver Christian Kirk holds the SEC mark averaging 22.0 yards on 37 attempts from 2015-17.

Last season, Waddle led the NCAA averaging 24.35 yards on 20 returns. If he were to match that this year, he’d be sitting at an average of 21.91 yards for his career. While it will be difficult for Waddle to reach Mitchell’s mark, it’s certainly possible depending on how opposing teams elect to kick to him.

As for Alabama marks, Waddle seems to be a lock to beat Javier Arenas’ career record of 14.1 yards per punt return. However, Arenas’ 1,752 career punt return yards, as well as his season-high of 650 yards in 2008, seem to be a bit out of reach.

On the offensive side of the ball, Waddle is tied for No. 10 on the school’s all-time receiving touchdown list with 13. He’d need 18 to match Amari Cooper’s record of 31 but would also need to hold off fellow teammate DeVonta Smith, who enters the season ranked No. 4 on the list with 23 receiving touchdowns.

Why he's here

After sharing reps in a loaded receiving corps during his first two seasons at Alabama, Waddle should finally step into a starting role following the departures of Henry Ruggs III and Jerry Jeudy. Not only that, the speedy junior figures to be one of the focal points of the Crimson Tide’s attack.

Waddle seemed to be building good chemistry with Jones late last season as the two connected 10 times for 215 yards and four touchdowns during the right-handers four starts. That connection should strengthen this season as Alabama looks to continue to take advantage of Waddle’s athleticism in the slot.

Alabama could also look for other ways to get Waddle the ball. Last season, the 5-foot-10, 182-pound receiver even lined up in the backfield a few times out of the wildcat formation. Given his speed, he could also see a fair share of jet sweeps and pop passes, especially as Alabama continues to break in Jones behind center.

Alabama will have a big decision to make in whether it continues to allow its star receiver to risk injury on special teams. In 2016, the Crimson Tide saw starting safety Eddie Jackson break his leg during a punt return — an injury that ultimately proved costly in Alabama’s title run. However, Waddle’s elite escapability will likely prove too valuable on special teams, meaning we should see a few more big returns from him this season.

Key quote 

“I think people try to make this like I’m a returner that plays receiver, but I work real hard at receiver, so I’m a receiver who returns punts.” — Jaylen Waddle

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The "TOC" is where premium subscribers talk Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Alabama Crimson Tide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Photo | Getty Images
Alabama Crimson Tide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Photo | Getty Images
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