Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is back in the role he held under head coach Kalen DeBoer for two years. While with the Washington Huskies, Grubb helped remake the offense. It led to a unit that paced the nation in passing yards, first downs, and third down percentage per game. They also finished second in total offense, and third in scoring. Now, Grubb is the offensive coordinator of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Ryan Grubb Gets High Marks From Crimson Tide Players for ‘Aggressive’ Style
Be Aggressive, B-E Aggressive
Being aggressive is the name of the game for Grubb, and it could prove to be a change of pace for the Crimson Tide. When asked about his play-calling philosophy on Wednesday, the offensive coordinator made it plain as day.
“Aggressive,” Grubb told reporters, “We’re gonna be aggressive.”
Ryan Grubb & Nick Sheridan working with Alabama quarterbacks Wednesday at practice. pic.twitter.com/UBwNOSQ12y
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“I think that when the players, when it works the best, the understanding that the players have that we got to be responsible with the football, not go backwards, make sure we’re always matriculating the ball down the field, but then be ready for an opportunity to take the shot.”
Having that mentality is a testament to the talent on the Crimson Tide’s roster. And that roster is strongly in favor of being aggressive.
“We all love him,” Alabama running back Jamarion Miller said. “Last year he came in and he ended up leaving of course, but now we know him like he’s been here for a minute, so right now we’re just working and getting better.”
No Crimson Tide player may have as much experience with aggressiveness as wide receiver Germie Bernard. Bernard came to Tuscaloosa from Washington with DeBoer and has experience playing under the tutelage of Grubb. In his season with the Huskies, Bernard tallied 419 yards and two touchdowns on 34 receptions.
“He just wants the best out of everybody, so he just coaches everybody hard,” Grubb said. “And then, most importantly, he’s just aggressive with the way that he calls plays, he’s not afraid to take any chances, take any shots.”
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freshman QB Keelon Russell connects with Alabama wideouts, Germie Bernard during Crimson Tide’s second spring practice in Tuscaloosa
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The Roster to Do It
Grubb is entering a team with a roster built for being aggressive. Assuming freshman Keelon Russell wins the quarterback battle with Ty Simpson, then the quarterback is in place. That is not even to mention the wide receiver talent the offense also holds. With Bernard and young stud Ryan Williams on opposite sides of the field, opposing teams will be living their worst nightmares on the perimeter.
Russell has the arm talent necessary to make a Ryan Grubb-style offense work. And he also has the ability to scramble if the need arises. Pairing that with the immense speed Williams has is a deadly combination for any offense willing to take shots deep.
The third time has proved to be the charm for the Crimson Tide so far. Landing Grubb after the offensive coordinator spurned the team twice previously. While things have gone swimmingly thus far in spring practice, there is still a long way to go before meaningful results. With the roster that DeBoer has built, along with the re-pairing of the head coach with his former offensive coordinator, the… Tide… could be turning in Tuscaloosa.
Main Image: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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