Alabama's Run-First Offense Doesn't Appeal to Everyone

Now that all the dust has cleared, it looks as though star Alabama receiver Julio Jones made the right decision about where to attend college. His two other top-choice schools (pass-happy Oklahoma and Texas Tech) hit major speed bumps this season on and off the field, while the Tide managed to roll all the way to a BCS championship.

While Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy did lead his team in the championship win, he did so by throwing the football less than fifteen times, hitting his number one receiver only once for just over 20 yards. This statistic is not an issue for most people; as long as the running back tandem of Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson can each rush for 100+ yards in a game there doesn't seem to be much of a need to go to the air. That lack of passing necessity is precisely the issue in Tuscaloosa.

Most recruits want to come to college to win football games and get an education, plain and simple. Others have a different priority; a fat NFL contract. The feeling of a big championship ring on your finger must be amazing, but does it provide more satisfaction than a check for a few million dollars?

Julio Jones provides a great case study for this big decision as he had the opportunity to play anywhere he wanted. He denied the option to showcase his skills in a spread offense and turned down numerous offers from schools with established quarterbacks. Jones, a lock to play in the NFL, passed up on these dream scenarios to play for a smash mouth running offense instead. Who knew he would eventually win a national championship. Even with the lack of catches this season, Jones did establish himself as one of the best blocking receivers in college football.

On the other end of the spectrum you have 2011 receiver prospect Marvin Shinn. Like Julio, Shinn is an in-state prospect, has NFL size and potential, and shows a strong interest in playing football for Alabama. Seems like he would be a lock to play for the Tide, right? Well, after seeing the decline in passing numbers and the offensive explosion from Richardson and Ingram, Shinn appears to be questioning his commitment. He clearly sees better opportunities to showcase his skills at other schools.

I understand that Jones is a guaranteed first round draft choice whenever he decides to declare, but with so much less money being offered from pick 1 to pick 10 in the NFL draft, you can bet that rival recruiters and coaches across the SEC will spin Alabama's recent success into a negative for prospects like Shinn. I can hear it now... "What is the going rate for an underachieving blocking receiver with a championship ring? Come play for me and you will get your exposure..."