Around The SEC: Nick Saban Addresses The Removal of WR From Alabama's Roster
During preseason training camp, Alabama head coach Nick Saban addressed the status of the team's wide receiver Thaiu Jones-Bell on Thursday afternoon.
Jones-Bell, who is entering their junior year, was present on Alabama’s 2023 roster at SEC Media Days in July. On Thursday, however, his name noticeably absent from the team's official roster as the Crimson Tide began fall training camp.
When asked about the wideout this past Thursday, Saban said that Jones-Bell is currently sidelined for health reasons and mentioned that he will likely take a medical redshirt this upcoming season.
“From a personnel standpoint, Thaiu Jones-Bell had some medical issues. So he’s on a medical this year,” Saban told reporters in his press conference following practice for the Crimson Tide.
A former four-star recruit and top-25 wideout in the country, Jones-Bell has been a member of the team for the past three seasons, but his playing time has been limited with the Crimson Tide.
In 2020, Jones-Bell played in three games, recording just a single reception against Arkansas. He played in five games in 2021, logging two catches for 16 yards against New Mexico State.
More recently in 2022, Jones-Bell appeared in four games, recording a five-yard catch in Alabama’s win over Vanderbilt.
“Without Jones-Bell, Alabama still has plenty of receiving depth. It’s one of the more compelling battles in camp,” wrote Nick Kelly of the Tuscaloosa News.
“Upperclassmen Ja’Corey Brooks and Jermaine Burton return, as do some intriguing sophomores such as Isaiah Bond, Kendrick Law, Kobe Prentice and Emmanuel Henderson Jr. Newcomer Malik Benson also brings plenty of potential.”
