Kendrick Law brings a bit of everything to Alabama offense: âI just go all outâ
Kendrick Law didn’t have a set position when he arrived in Tuscaloosa as one of the best high school athletes in the class of 2022.
Like many elite prospects, Law joined Alabama football with the hope he would continue to grow, find a role and hit the field. Halfway through his second season, Law’s true position is still hard to define — he’s been featured on special teams, as a wide receiver and even a few snaps at running back — but that doesn’t mean the rest of Law’s development hasn’t gone according to plan.
The sophomore from Shreveport, La., is the Tide’s offensive X-factor. With his speed and vision, Law can add unpredictability to No. 8 Alabama’s (8-1, 6-0 SEC) attack that already features dual-threat quarterback Jalen Milroe. The 5-foot-11, 201-pound Law has emerged through UA’s biggest wins of the season, a comeback against Tennessee and a slugfest over LSU with four catches for 63 yards, four kick returns and his most snaps since the start of SEC play in early October.
“Coming to ‘Bama, I just knew I was gonna have to beat out the best if I wanted to be the best, to play with the best,” Law said in his first media availability since enrolling. “I approach everything more than 110%. Everybody wants to go 110%. I just go all out, whatever all out is for me. You may go 110 one play then the next play you only got 80, so I’m gonna give Coach Saban all my 80. And then the next play, I may only got 65, so I’m still gonna give him my 65.”
When asked about his favorite NFL player to watch, Law mentioned DK Metcalf before admitting that others have made the obvious Deebo Samuel comparison. Law’s role was similar at Captain Shreve High where he developed into a top-100 recruit. He called the task of practicing catching, route running and tacking all in the same week “second nature.”
He started the LSU game in the backfield and drew eyes away from Milroe and the Tide’s other skill position players. Law deemed it “something major” to have offensive coordinator Tommy Rees carve out specific ways to use Law’s talent. The mentality continues even when he doesn’t get the ball. According to Pro Football Focus, Law lined up in the backfield seven times with three snaps in the slot and six out wide, including his special teams reps.
“I made my daybreak on special teams. Because that was basically my Super Bowl every time go out there on kickoff, punts, return. … I just tried to translate that to the ball, when I’m on offense, go out there and catch the ball, turn straight to kickoff return. Get it, see the hole, make a play and expect the best.
“I just like to be an all-around player. I don’t want to be just some person that’s always quiet or, you know, always in somebody’s face or something. I just want to have fun, my time being here — which, life isn’t long but while I’m here, I want to enjoy it.”
Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected].