Each day counting down to Alabama's Week 1 matchup with Utah State, I will highlight a former player whose jersey number coincides with the amount of days until the game. Bama kicks off in just four days, so let's look back at former Crimson Tide wideout Tyrone Prothro. 

Tyrone Prothro suited up for the Tide from 2003-05 as a wide receiver, and while his career was cut short but injury, his time with the team continues to live on in the memories of Alabama fans everywhere.

Prothro was a three-star recruit from Heflin, AL who cut his teeth at Cleburne County High School. In his four years as a Tiger, he was named an All-State selection twice and guided his team to two deep playoff runs.

After choosing the Tide over the likes of SEC foe Georgia, Prothro quickly worked his way onto the field as a freshman. He appeared in nine games in 2003, hauling in 16 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown.

Photo courtesy of @InMyOwnWordsTDA on Twitter
Photo courtesy of @InMyOwnWordsTDA on Twitter
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As a sophomore in 2004, the Heflin native took on a larger role within the offense, finishing the year with a team leading 25 receptions for 447 yards and a score.

In his third, and unfortunately final, season in an Alabama uniform, Prothro appeared in just five games before a gruesome injury against the Florida Gators ended his career. In those five appearances though, the former three-star gave not only Tide fans, but football fans in general, a memory that will live on forever.

In Alabama's Week 2 matchup with the Golden Eagles of Southern Miss, Prothro hauled in a legendary reception that is now known simply as, "The Catch." Heading into halftime down by multiple scores, Crimson Tide quarterback Brodie Croyle heaved a ball towards the goal line for his wideout and despite being completely blanketed by the defender, Prothro hauled in the pass on the 1-yd line and set up a crucial touchdown play.

Following the season, his incredible play won the ESPY Award for "Best Play" as well as the Pontiac Game Changing Award of the Year. Despite over ten extensive surgeries, Prothro was unable to return to playing form and was granted a medical hardship scholarship in 2007. The next year, he finished his degree and graduated alongside some of his former teammates.

Since the conclusion of his football career, Prothro has joined the coaching ranks and currently serves as the wide receivers coach at Jasper High School in Alabama.

Stay locked in to Tide1009.com for the countdown to Alabama football. Check out the rest of the list here.

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