Nick Saban held little back in the preseason when challenging talented tight end Jahleel Billingsley to find the right track.
A preseason second-team All-SEC pick, Billingsley flashed his talent last season as the big play threat Alabama’s been missing at tight end since Irv Smith went to the NFL. So when things weren’t up to the standard in August, Saban’s message was also relayed at the news conference podium.
Billingsley’s playing time has been increasing in the first three weeks of his junior season and his first 2021 catch was a touchdown at Florida.
What’s he proven to Saban from the struggles in August until now?
“Well, he’s doing what he’s supposed to do,” Saban said Wednesday in a sometimes-tense post-practice news conference. “He practices better, he’s more engaged, he’s more focused on what he’s supposed to and he’s having more positive performance on the field, which is what any player is supposed to do. I think that -- did any of you play sports? I mean, the coach is supposed to play the best players, right?”
Billingsley played sparingly on opening weekend against Miami, returning one kickoff but not seeing much time on offense. He came in earlier against Mercer without catching a pass before making an athletic 26-yard touchdown pass at Florida to put Alabama up 14-3.
Cameron Latu has five catches from the tight end position including two touchdowns in the opener with Miami.
“One thing I expect from him is to make a lot more plays,” Latu said. “He’s a very useful weapon for our offense, and I know he’s just — I love playing beside him, and he’s going to help our team a lot.”
Back in late August, Saban said “it’s up to him” when asked about Billingsley’s status.
“He knows what he’s supposed to do in practice,” Saban said on Aug. 21. “He knows what he’s supposed to do. You know this is not a democracy. Everybody doesn’t get to do what they want to do. Everybody doesn’t get to do what they feel like doing.
“You’ve got to buy in and do what you’re supposed to do to, you know, be a part of the team and do the things you need to do in practice every day. A sense of urgency, play fast, execute, do your job. It’s a privilege for everybody to go out there and be able to create value for yourself.”
Billingsley had 18 catches for 287 yards as a sophomore as a big-play threat. Of those 18 receptions, 14 went for first downs or touchdowns with an average gain of 26 yards per catch.
Michael Casagrande is a reporter for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.