Alabama Listing Jerry Jeudy as 'Co-Starter' Means They're Backing Jaylen Waddle to Explode in 2019

Tua Tagovailoa and Alabama will be blessed with four receivers that are among the nation's best in 2019, as Biletnikoff Award winner Jerry Jeudy returns to a group that features the dynamic Jaylen Waddle, the speedy Henry Ruggs, and the elite deep threat in DeVonta Smith.

The Crimson Tide's first depth chart has one interesting wrinkle, as Waddle and Jeudy are listed as "co-starters" at the "H" receiver position, with Ruggs the starting "Z" receiver and Smith the starter at the "X" position.

Jeudy is almost certain to be a top 5 pick in next year's draft, so it looks like Steve Sarkisian is tipping his hand and will feature Waddle heavily in their offense this year.

In Waddle's freshman season, the sub-4.3 runner out of Houston caught 45 passes for 848 yards, good for 18.8 yards per catch, and seven touchdowns. Keep in mind, he did that as the No. 4 target in the offense behind Jeudy, Ruggs, and Irv Smith Jr, who was drafted in the second round in 2019.

Even without Mike Locksley, the offensive gameplan should remain the same for Tua and the Tide. Call their version of Four Verticals, wait for a safety to flip his hips and lose his receiver, and uncork a deep bomb downfield that Waddle can run under.

Clearly the Tide have faith in Waddle's ability to fully establish himself as one of the country's best in 2019 and they're going to utilize him as frequently as possible.