Cuevas Explains His Growth as a Leader

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama tight end Josh Cuevas saw limited snaps under first-year Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer in 2024, sitting behind CJ Dippre and Robbie Outz. Over the offseason, Cuevas, a redshirt senior, stepped into the starting role for the Crimson Tide. He was one of three Washington Huskies who followed Kalen DeBoer from Washington to Alabama, with Germie Bernard and Parker Brailsford, in addition to Cuevas, stepping up as leaders for Alabama.

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Where has Cuevas grown as a leader, now that Alabama is 7-1 and commands its own destiny in pursuit of the College Football Playoffs?

"I'd say I've grown a lot, especially vocally," Cuevas said on Tuesday. "Just going around the locker room and being comfortable with my teammates. Last year, I was the new guy, so I was just seeing where I fit in.

"But this year, I've kind of taken the ranks a little bit, getting my name out there and just helping these guys out in any way I can. Whether it be school work, off-field stuff, life, or on-field stuff, I'm just trying to be that guy to fill the holes here and there."

Cuevas is still in contact with Dippre and Outz, saying in March that both still reached out to him.

"We're still in contact, but they've kind of let off the gas a little bit, explaining to me what is," Cuevas said. "They are just explaining to me that 'It's your team now. You're one of the older guys.' They can only help so much from behind the scenes."

Cuevas, a redshirt senior, is out of eligibility after Alabama's season is over. On Thursday, he named a handful of players who may be able to step up as leaders once Cuevas departs for the NFL draft in April.

"I think Jay Lindsey could be a great leader down the stretch," Cuevas said. "Just kind of filling his role and seeing where he's at now. Kaleb Edwards, too. Just trying to see where he's at, and him getting playing time on the field is great for him, especially being a younger guy just catching the pace of the game and knowing what it takes to win a football game in the SEC. That experience is invaluable."

Cuevas is having one of his best seasons overall, with 20 receptions for 203 yards and three touchdowns. His best collegiate season came in 2022 at Cal Poly, where he caught 58 receptions for 678 yards and six scores. At the FBS level, 2025 with the Crimson Tide is shaping up to be his best yet, as he is 15 yards away from his season-high of 218, which he had in 2024 with the Crimson Tide. His three touchdowns so far for Alabama this season are the second-highest he's had in a single season.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.