First-year Alabama co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard originally hales from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Working with his position group over the past four months, he jokes that he’s reminded a bit of home.
“My goodness, man, they run like Ferraris,” Shepherd said in a Wednesday interview with Tide 100.9. “These guys can run, run. My goodness. I thought I was at the Indianapolis 500 — I'm originally an Indiana native — I thought I was at the Indianapolis 500, the first time I saw all these guys out here running. Goodness, speed all over the place.”
Alabama lost its top two receivers from last season in Jermaine Burton (NFL draft) and Isaiah Bond (Texas). However, the Crimson Tide returns plenty of talent in its receiving corps.
Wednesday, Shephard rattled off several standouts in his unit, praising Washington transfer Germie Bernard, while pointing out the experience of key juniors, Kobe Prentice and Kendrick Law. He also highlighted a few potential breakout players in redshirt freshman Cole Adams and junior Emmanuel Henderson before gushing over five-star freshman Ryan Williams.
Here’s what Shephard said about Alabama’s receiving corps during the interview.
On what he’s working on with his players
"It's just teaching them the nuances of playing the position, and getting in the right body position to catch the ball. Knowing when to accelerate, decelerate and reaccelerate at the right time. Knowing how to get back on top of defenders and being able to catch the ball over your shoulder. All the little details of playing the position. It's just partly because they haven't played a ton.”
On Germie Bernard and Kobe Prentice
“It really starts with Germie, he's done a great job of leading this group, obviously because he knew the playbook. Coming in, it makes him a leader automatically. Kobe Prentice, just consistently made plays all spring.
On Cole Adams
I'll tell you a guy that has really stepped up to the plate and really has shown a ton of flashes, some grit, some toughness, some ability to go out there in any situation and makes the plays and that's Cole Adams. I'm really excited about how he's been able to really flourish in the offense."
On Kendrick Law
"Kendrick Law, his growth from the time I got here until now -- I'm never the type of person to take all the credit for everything, but this young man's growth to me has been the one that has stuck out the most.”
On Emmanuel Henderson
"He's a young man from the state of Alabama. From everything these guys were telling me — Coach Saban would be like, 'Hey, why is this guy not getting an opportunity?' And this kid right here, he really seems to be taking this opportunity and running with it."
On Ryan Williams
"We got a lot of guys, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Ryan Williams. This kid comes in Day 1, he's running with the 4s and 5s with receivers and you can tell it's just burning through his soul. Guys, just remember. This kid should still be in high school right now, trying to get ready for a prom or something like that, OK? Alright? And right now, he's here on campus.
“And, guess what. Get your popcorn ready. The kid’s going to be good.”
