PHOENIX | It’s a staple of the Alabama offense, what head coach Nick Saban calls a smoke screen.

It’s a rather simple play and generally gains positive yardage with minimum risk when the ball comes out of Jake Coker’s hands on time.

Coker can call the smoke screen on nearly every down — given the look the defense gives — on run-pass options he has when he gets to the line and reads the defense.

Most times the pass is to the speedy and shifty freshman wide receiver Calvin Ridley and it’s set up by his fellow wide receivers ArDarius Stewart and Richard Mullaney, both of whom normally do the blocking.

“In a sense it’s kind of like a running play,” Mullaney said. “It starts up front, just blocking. Jake reads the defense, a run-pass option. Once the ball is in the playmakers hands, it’s just about making a play.”

Essentially Coker comes to the line and reads the defense to gauge whether they’re stacking the box and making it more difficult for Derrick Henry to be successful with a run. He also reads how the cornerback is playing the wide receiver. If he’s playing off, Coker knows he’s got an easy throw for a good gain.

Blake Sims made a habit of throwing the smoke screen to Amari Cooper last year. This year, it’s Coker to Ridley.

“The detail on that play is the most critical thing,” UA wide receivers coach Billy Napier said. “It always helps when you’re throwing it to a really good player. Never forget that. We do a great job with the splits, the steps, the aiming points, immediately after catching the ball running to a spot.

“I think a quick, accurate throw in critical. You have to have guys who are willing to play without the ball, willing to sacrifice for the team. We’ve been fortunate this year to have a special group.

“You have to take what the defense gives you. A lot of times they give you that throw.”

If you ask all party involves it comes down to blocking, a skill required to even see the field as a wide receiver under Nick Saban.

Julio Jones was a great blocker and that tradition is handed off each season. Mullaney and Stewart both like blocking defensive backs.

“Cutting someone is always fun, just getting them on the ground,” Mullaney said. “I feel like it definitely makes them think when they run up. They can’t just go full speed. They definitely know they have to play the block or play you cutting them.”

Stewart said he almost likes blocking more than catching the smoke screen.

“It all starts with blocking, getting out there and getting the guy you’re supposed to get,” Stewart said. “If the blocking is not there then the play is not there.

“You have to know how to block. You have to have that in your arsenal.”

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.