It’s no secret that one of the more well-known weaknesses of this year’s Alabama team was their lack of wide receivers who can create consistent separation and stretch the field vertically.
Many thought Jermaine Burton, a Georgia transfer wide receiver, would be Bryce Young’s go-to wide receiver from day one this season. While that wasn’t quite the case — second wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks has campaigned to become the No. 1 — Burton’s game has steadily improved throughout the season and he’s been a fixture on the Alabama offense in recent years three games.
After just two catches against Tennessee, Mississippi State and LSU, Burton had five catches for 50 yards and a touchdown in Alabama’s win over Ole Miss, followed by a season-high seven catches for another season-high 128 yards against Austin Peay last Saturday.
In Alabama’s regular-season final against Auburn, Burton was again the Crimson Tide’s lead receiver with three catches for 87 yards.
Below are Burton’s three receptions and how he was used in these plays:
2nd and 10th, 8:20 1Q
Alabama fell behind on his second possession early in the 2022 Iron Bowl after an Auburn touchdown and put pressure on the Alabama offense in front of a restless crowd at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Approaching midfield, the Crimson Tide placed Burton in the middle of the formation, right next to tight end Robbie Ouzts’ hip. Young meant running back Jamyhr Gibbs outside of Burton but staying in a tight formation.
After the snap, Burton ran straight up the seam and then pulled off an impressive double move – breaking towards center court before breaking out again to the sideline – and found himself wide open for Young to throw a nice 52-yard shot for a deliver huge Alabama win.
While Alabama hasn’t had anyone in the past capable of taking the lead off defense like a Jameson Williams or a Jaylen Waddle, Burton has shown the ability to beat the man in front of him and occasionally for a big downfield chunk game to be open .
3rd and 2nd 8:38 2Q
About a quarter later in the game, Alabama had reclaimed the lead but was just seven points clear of its rival.
Alabama faced a third and short player and fielded two wide receivers on each side of the field, with Burton stacked in front of JoJo Earle.
As Young snapped, he kept his eyes on Burton, knowing that #3 was his best shot at a first down. Running a corner route, Burton ran about eight yards inside and vertically down before breaking hard toward the touchline.
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Auburn’s cornerback went man-to-man against Burton, but started the game nearly five yards from the line of scrimmage, giving Young an easy finish for Burton thanks to a well-managed route.
3rd and 3rd, 13:40 3Q
Burton’s final conclusion of the game came down to another third and brief situation.
He again lined up on the left side of the field, this time outside of tight end Cameron Latu, while Young Gibbs and another running back Jase McClellan split to either side of him.
Auburn’s defense fell into zone coverage from the snap, and Young received a clean pocket off his offensive line. The protection combined with Burton’s credit for reporting allowed him to find the weak spot in the zone and sit in it until Young found him for another completion.
While Alabama’s season likely won’t end with a college football playoff berth and Young is likely pursuing an NFL career, Burton’s emergence at the end of the season means big things for 2023.
Whoever Alabama’s quarterback will be next season — whether it’s Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, or some other name no one has thought of — will have a much-improved Jermaine Burton to throw at since he’s in the has only gotten better as the season progressed.
See also:
Bryce Young’s legacy is a memory that won’t fade anytime soon
“That’s all we have, but that’s all we need,” embodies this Alabama team
Three years later, Will Anderson’s gamble is paying off with the legendary Crimson Tide career
Confidence was evident for Alabama in the Iron Bowl win
Auburn HC Cadillac Williams: “We didn’t make it”
Everything interim coach Cadillac Williams said after Auburn’s loss in Alabama
Instant Analysis: No. 7 Alabama Football 49, Auburn 27 at the Iron Bowl
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