Rather than focusing on who might fill the wide receiver vacuum left by Jalen Hale’s recent injury, Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan is emphasizing support for the sophomore.
On March 26, Hale suffered what head coach Kalen DeBoer later described as a “significant knee injury.” He will be sidelined for the remainder of spring practice, which culminates in A-Day on April 13, although DeBoer stated on March 28 that further examination would be conducted to determine a precise schedule.
“We just really focus on him and how we can be there to support him,” Sheridan said Friday. “We want to do everything we can to surround him with love and support because he’s a great kid.” Hale stated in a social media post on March 30 that he had been released from the hospital and that the injury was not the worst-case situation.
The message from Sheridan has been less about who will step up and take the reps to be had in Hale’s absence and more about being there for their teammate. Hale caught five passes for 148 yards and a score during his first collegiate season in 2023. He plans to return “stronger than ever,” according to the aforementioned post on social media wherein he provided a status update.
There will be a second scrimmage of spring practice on Saturday, followed by A-Day the following weekend. When he returns, Hale will be one of the pass receivers that has a good chemistry with 2023 starting quarterback Jalen Milroe. The Texas native appeared in 13 games last season.
