Edwards Highlights Differences in Owens Coaching

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - New Alabama tight end coach Richard Owens has his fingerprints on Alabama's tight end room early. Owens joined the Crimson Tide after spending three seasons as Louisville's offensive line coach, where the Cardinals averaged 2,345.6 rushing yards per season under his coaching. Owens replaces former tight ends coach Bryan Ellis, who shifted to coaching the Crimson Tide's quarterbacks after Nick Sheridan's departure to Michigan State.

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"He's awesome. Great coach, played six years as an NFL tight end," sophomore tight end Kaleb Edwards told reporters on Tuesday. "Learning every day from him, critiquing, just making me better every day.

Ellis, Alabama's new quarterbacks coach, played quarterback in college and spent much of his coaching career with quarterbacks. The difference in positional experience for both Ellis and Owens has led to a difference in approach.

"Coach Ellis was definitely quarterback-minded, so I learned a little bit of quarterback and how they see stuff," Edwards said. "I'm learning even more from Coach Owens about tight ends running, run blocking, and everything like that. I think that's probably a difference. Technique stuff, calls especially, footwork.

"It's similar, but has different aspects. Like I said, we learned a little bit of what the O-line is seeing, a little bit more of what the quarterback is seeing. Both coaches taught me every part of the game."

Edwards said he played more than he expected as a true freshman who enrolled last summer, but stayed ready for when his number got called. The 6-foot-6, 268-pound sophomore from El Dorado Hills, California, appeared in all 15 games for Alabama last season, making four starts according to Alabama's website, and hauling in 11 receptions for 150 yards and a score.

With Alabama's loss of Josh Cuevas to the NFL draft, the Tide will look to lean on Edwards in his second year to be a key piece to Alabama's offense, regardless of who starts at quarterback.

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_.