A special note of appreciation for Javier...

[jdpas29]

Guys, it hasn't been mentioned very much, but Javier Arenas is having a great first year all things considered.

He gets basically no blocking on punt returns and usually still manages a few forward yards. The kid has fantastic moves and he has the stickiest hands that i've seen at Alabama with regard to catching punts under pressure. His kickoff returns have been the highlight of a couple of bad games so far this year. I have a feeling he may be a Prothro kind of player by the time he is done at Alabama.

I would like to give him a round of applause....

*claps*

 

[crimsonaudio]

Still am surprised he held onto that kick in the 3rd where the UT player was pushed into him and he got DRILLED...

*claps*

 

[EBTIDE]

Yes great job on punt returns, you are the man.

 

[P. C. Pachyderm]

The way he catches the ball and doesn't let go ... wonder if there might be a future at wide receiver?

 

[peteswell4]

I also noticed that he does not wear gloves, which makes it more impressive.

 

[cooleddie]

I've got to chime in w/ my props, also. I can think of about 3 instances this year where he has caught a punt w/ a guy right in his grill and has held onto the ball. I think I recall reading something on here about how he practiced over the summer catching punts from one of his friends when he found out that returning kicks would be his primary job this season. I think it said he would not stop until he had caught like 20 in a row. You have to appreciate a player (especially a true fresh) that works like that on his own time in order to contribute to the team and earn his scholly. I don't think it will be very long before we see him break a good one; he's right on the verge each time.

However, even if he doesn't break one this year, the main thing is that he holds onto the ball and that's good enough in my book. Now let's hope we didn't jinx him w/ this thread! :biggrin:

 

[LTBamaFan]

Even if he got 0 yards on returns, it is still an improvement over past few years by just catching the ball. I hope we haven't jinxed him.

 

[Tide son of Crim]

Clap clap clap clap clap BRAVO! Clap clap clap clap clap

Good job Javier.

 

[bamahuey1]

I agree! Excellent scouting by the staff, and a smart decision to offer the young man a scholarship! I have a feeling he's going to be a great one by the time his college career comes to a conclusion!

 

[buzzincuzzin]

Gotta be counted here. That knot in my stomach has completely disappeared this year. DJ did well also.

 

[CrmznApklps]

I say he runs a few back before he leaves UA!

 

[tidefanbeezer]

Given how Brandon Brooks handled punts last year, I am VERY happy that Javier has at the very least held on to the ball.

I think at some point in his career he'll break one off and take it to the house.

 

[HammerJammer]

Javier has been fantastic, one of the pleasant suprises of the season.

Go Javier!

 

[The Duke]

I have to totally agree. Great player and student as well. Sounds like he has a great head on his shoulders.

Have to give praises to the coaching staff for eyeing this kid last year as well.

 

[TIDEFAN17]

Javier for president. He takes one to the house before the season is over. Maybe this weekend.

 

[Nolan]

You're right. This should have been said earlier. He's been awfully solid in an area that once created alot of anxiety.

Does he break his first TD this year? ...I say yes. Oh, our ST gets it just right in the last game of the season against... you know who.

RTR

 

[JPT4Bama]

He's a prime example of why a coach's opinion of a prospect far outweighs any recruiting rag's so called evaluation!

Roll Tide Javier!!!

 

[Alabama Larry in Ky]

I've mentioned his "hands" before and how impressed I was.

 

[CHATTBRIT]

Totally agree with all of the above posts. Javier has amazed me how he hasn't dropped the ball despite being nailed himself. Congrats JA and my thanks to the coaching staff for bringing you to the Capstone.

 

[foley_boy]

I agree, even our better punt returners the past few years have had trouble hanging onto the ball. Arenas has been great holding onto the ball and looks to have great return skills as well. Is he listed on the depth chart as a WR or a RB? While we're on the subject of good hands...how much better has DJ Hall looked this year? Remember all the dropped passes and fumbles from last year? Haven't seen much if any of that this year! DJ has really impressed me this year as well!