Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver John Metchie III is expected to miss the College Football Playoff after reportedly suffering a torn ACL in the SEC Championship Game.
Metchie, one of the best receivers in college football, went down in the second quarter of Saturday’s victory over the Georgia Bulldogs. After planting his foot and cutting on a comeback route, the junior immediately went down with a non-contact injury and was ruled out minutes later.
According to ESPN’s Mark Schlabach, Alabama believes Metchie suffered a torn ACL in his left knee and will miss the upcoming College Football Playoff Semifinals and a potential national championship.
“John Metchie is probably going to be out now, and we have a couple other guys that may be injured. It creates a lot of opportunity for a lot of other players. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get them to step up.”
Alabama Crimson Tide HC Nick Saban n John Metchie injury, via ESPN
- John Metchie stats (2021): 96 receptions, 1,142 receiving yards, 11.9 ypc, eight touchdowns
Metchie made a significant impact before his departure in the victory over Georgia. With the Bulldogs leading 10-7, he pulled in a go-ahead touchdown in the second quarter and the Crimson Tide never fell trailed after that point. Metchie finished Saturday’s game with six receptions for 97 yards and one touchdown.
In his absence, Heisman Watch leader Bryce Young will rely even more on leading receiver Jameson Williams (1,445 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, 21.3 ypc). Junior Slade Bolden (333 yards) and sophomore Treashon Holden (211 yards) will also step into bigger roles.
With a strong performance in the CFP Semifinals, Williams can push his stock up even further in the latest 2022 NFL mock draft.
