TAMPA, Fla. — Alabama football's wide receiver room may be slim heading into the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan . But it's a room that saw a boost of enthusiasm with the return of one of its members to the practice field.
Jalen Hale , the second-year former four-star wide receiver, was on the practice field working with the wide receivers ahead of the ReliaQuest Bowl.
Hale had a knee injury in spring practice that has kept him out for the 2024 season.
While it's non-contact reps, wearing a black jersey in Friday's practices, Hale brought a positive energy to a wide receiver room that had lost Kendrick Law , Kobe Prentice and Caleb Odom to the transfer portal.
"It's just been great to have him back out there," Alabama offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said. "Everything that he's been through, the perseverance, the grit, the toughness. The kid loves football. He's had a big smile on his face. His presence has just uplifted everybody around him. And we're just thankful he's back out there with us."
In 2023, Hale had five catches for 148 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Immediately after the ReliaQuest Bowl announcement, Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said he didn't expect to see Hale play against Michigan, but that he had been "running around" in the days leading up to the bowl game.
"He's been amazing," DeBoer said. "Going back to the time he even had his injury, just with his mindset. 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."
Alabama will take on Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida at 11 a.m. CT Tuesday.
Colin Gay covers Alabama football for The Tuscaloosa News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at cgay@gannett.com or follow him @_ColinGay on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Jalen Hale returns to Alabama football practice field before ReliaQuest Bowl
