John Metchie Reflects on Alabama Career
John Metchie, a Canadian wide receiver who came to Alabama in 2019, looked to become the next great wide receiver under the Saban era.
Coming into the program, he had to compete for play time against a wideout group with big names such as Devonta Smith, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, and Jaylen Waddle, which prevented him from seeing the field as much as he would’ve hoped in his freshman season.
Heading into the 2020 season, he was the Tide's number three wide receiver, but eventually moved up to number two on the depth chart with the injury to Waddle that ended his regular season, thus giving Metchie a new opportunity to showcase his skills.
Metchie totaled 916 yards, 55 catches, and 6 touchdowns in his sophomore year as he stepped up and made big plays throughout the season, earning a spot on the Biletnikoff Award watch list. Winning a national championship could not have been a better end to his season and his performance during the season gave some hope to Tide fans who were sad to see Smith, the 2020 Heisman winner, leave for the NFL.
Moving into his junior season, Metchie was named captain of the team and was supposed to be the leader of the wide receiver group. Although he was the assumed number one wide receiver on the depth chart before the season began, Ohio State transfer Jameson Williams took over that spot, showing signs that he would do so as early as the Tide's first game of the season against Miami.
Metchie still produced great numbers as he had 155 receptions, 1,142 yards, and 8 touchdowns, but his season was cut short due to a devastating ACL injury in the SEC Championship game.
Missing Metchie forced young receivers such as Agyie Hall and Jacorey Brooks to step up and try to fill the gap in the offense. Though Hall and Brooks did their best during the big game, it still couldn't match the impact Metchie could have on a game. One could make the argument that if Metchie’s injury never happened, then the national championship game would have been very different.
Metchie will have a chance to show his skills for pro scouts at the 2022 NFL Combine as he will make a great route technician wide receiver for any team that decides to take him. To watch John Metchie's tribute to Alabama, click here.
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