Alabama ‘very happy’ to have Jalen Hale back on the practice field
TAMPA, Fla. – Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer provided a positive update on injured wide receiver Jalen Hale after the Crimson Tide learned it was playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
When Alabama held its first on-site practice at Berkeley Preparatory School on Friday morning, Hale was seen running routes with the rest of the Tide’s shorthanded receiving corps. He wore a black, no-contact jersey and a brace on his left leg, and while Hale won’t play against Michigan on New Year’s Eve, his teammates and coaches are happy he’s out there.
“It’s just been great,” said Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan on Friday. “Just very happy for him, all that he’s overcome, all that he’s been through, his perseverance. He’s just a joy to have out there. A big smile on his face. He’s uplifted everybody – coaches, players.
“So we’re thrilled for him that he’s back out there and working with us.”
Hale sustained a significant knee injury back in the spring and has not dressed out for any of Alabama’s games during the 2024 season. He has, however, been able to run onto the field with his teammates before home games, and now, he is participating in at least some portions of UA practices, giving the Tide quarterbacks six wideouts to target in preparation.
Hale is in his second season at Alabama after appearing in 13 of the Crimson Tide’s 14 games as a true freshman in 2023. He finished seventh on the team in receiving yards (148) on just five catches and was set to see his role increase with five players at his position moving on from the program. But the injury kept him from contributing in Year 2 in Tuscaloosa.
Based on DeBoer’s earlier comments and how he looked on Friday at Berkeley Prep, Hale can be a factor for the Alabama passing attack in 2025, which lost four more players to the transfer portal but is bringing in three to give the room 11 scholarship players next year. Hale figures to be squarely in the mix after a year and a half on the shelf due to his injury.
“Man, he’s been amazing, going back to the time he even had his injury, just with his mindset,” DeBoer said on Dec. 8. “And I know our guys really respect him for that and appreciate the grind he’s been putting in to come back as quick as he possibly can.”
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