Actually, the wide receiver that signed with Clemson, the highest rated wr in the state of Alabama, said earlier in the year that he didn't like Alabama's offense (paraphrasing). Since our offense with Tua at the helm is way different, I guess that's an indictment of Hurts and the offense we ran when he was behind center.
This is not the article I was talking about because it's not his direct quote, but, “
Jalen Hurts
probably hurt their chances with Ross. Alabama is probably selling the fact that it’s going to have a passing quarterback and they’re going to open up the offense and pass with Locksley as the new offensive coordinator. ...
https://n.rivals.com/news/take-two-will-alabama-keep-state-s-top-player-justyn-ross-home-
More...
The 6-foot-4, 197-pound prospect was in Atlanta for the game where he saw Jalen Hurts complete 10 of 18 pass attempts and only throw for fewer than 100 yards. Calvin Ridley was the only wide receiver to have a reception in that game.
While, clearly, Alabama got the result it wanted in the game, for a wide receiver with options, it was not a performance that was exciting.
“I feel like they could have opened it up a bit more, but they didn’t really have a chance to reveal their passing game too much,†Ross said.
When asked what the Tide have to do to impress him moving forward, his answer centered around making sure other receivers outside of Ridley are involved.
“I do feel like they have to spread the ball around more, but it’ll come in due time,†Ross said. “I was expecting a bit more, to be honest. I didn’t get that. I’ll probably get that in the future, though.â€Â
That did change in the Fresno State game this past weekend. Eight receivers or tight ends caught passes against the Bulldogs, but none of the pass catchers had more than 45 yards.
I have heard from several recruits who have said other programs have negatively recruited against Alabama when it comes to the team’s passing offense. It didn’t hurt the Tide in the 2017 class as they signed four of the nation’s best in Henry Ruggs III, Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith and Tyrell Shavers.
Alabama has some work to do.
https://www.seccountry.com/alabama/alabama-crimson-tide-recruiting-justyn-ross-auburn-tigers-clemson-tigers
I would note that the receivers signed in the 2017 class had been recruited for years, back when we had a legitimate passing offense, and yes, I do know the statistics for 2016. Kiffin did an admirable job, imo, working with what he had, with the jet sweeps, the quick outs, etc.