Alabama returns a roster littered with talented receivers in 2015, but not much experience apart from Chris Black. Black finished fifth in receptions last season (15), and totaled 188 yards. He’s one of two veterans returning (O.J. Howard), but both will need help.
With Amari Cooper, Christion Jones and DeAndrew White all pursuing professional careers, junior receiver Raheem Falkins has been tabbed as Alabama’s next emerging star. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Falkins was a four-star prospect upon his arrival to the University of Alabama in 2013. He’s appeared in 15 games, but has yet to register a catch for the Crimson Tide. Falkins possesses size, speed and leaping abilities, but is still a working progress when it comes to route running.
Falkins, a native of New Orleans, La., showed signs of promise as a receiver at G.W. Carver High School. He put in 51 receptions for 800 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior in 2011. Falkins recorded 47 catches for 1,088 yards and 14 scores in his senior season (2012). He averaged 22.5 yards per in 2012, earning 2A All-State honors from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association.
Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron raved about Falkins physical abilities, during spring practices in 2013. He produced in spring ball, but Falkins lacked consistency in the fall. The Crimson Tide will be without sophomore Cam Sims for a while. Sims injured his knee in Alabama’s fifth spring practice on Mar. 28, 2015. Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart both look to step up, but Falkins prepares to emerge as well.
Easter weekend witnessed Falkins take a step forward. He led Alabama’s receiving corps with five catches for 88 yards in the team’s first spring scrimmage on Fri, Apr. 3, 2015. Falkins chance to shine may come at the expense of Cam Sims, but is he ready to become an elite playmaker? Alabama’s spring game is set for Apr. 18, 2015. It will be an exhibition match that will tell us everything.
