It’s got that classic Maze flair—he’s been a vocal Tide alum, hyping blowouts like the 73-0 ULM rout in September, critiquing early-season softness after the Florida State L, and even pushing to retire the “LANK” mantra for DeBoer’s era. Fans are eating it up: 2.8K+ likes, 200+ reposts, and replies flooding with memes of Julio Jones posterizing DBs. Touchdown Alabama’s post on it racked up 200+ engagements overnight, sparking the exact debate you’re asking about. But with Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, and incoming 5-stars like Caleb Okechukwu needing polish for a playoff push, is “Alabama blood” the move? Let’s break it down.
Do I Agree? Hell Yeah—With a Caveat
Absolutely, it’s time to lean into that crimson pipeline. Saban’s tree branched out (think Lane Kiffin, Mario Cristobal), but DeBoer’s Washington imports like Shephard delivered (Williams: 1,247 yards, 14 TDs as a frosh). Now, post-Shephard, stability matters—Alabama’s WR room exploded under him (top-5 nationally in YPC), but losing him mid-cycle risks a dip. Bringing back a Tide lifer injects instant buy-in: recruits trust the brand, vets like Jalen Milroe mentor easier, and it quiets the “DeBoer doesn’t get Bama” whispers (remember Maze’s August shade?).
The caveat? Experience trumps nostalgia. Maze (now 37, post-NFL journeyman) has zero coaching clips beyond high school stints and broadcasting gigs—fun tweet, but he’s more analyst than X’s and O’s guy. Julio? A Hall-of-Fame lock (Falcons legend, 7x Pro Bowler), but he’s never coached beyond youth camps. It’s a dream duo for vibes, but Kalen needs proven developers. Still, Maze’s point stands: Prioritize alums who bleed red to keep the standard sky-high. Roll Tide blood > Pac-12 retreads every day.
Who Should Bama Target? Top 5 WR Coach Candidates
DeBoer’s staff turnover (Grubb and Wommack rumored for head gigs too) means poaching power. I’d rank ‘em by fit: recruiting pull, WR track record, and Bama ties. Here’s my shortlist, blending insiders and splash hires:
Holmon Wiggins
Ja’Juan Seider
Julio Jones
Billy Gonzales
Marquis Maze
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