TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama has a lot of playmakers returning on offense in 2018.

But one of the players generating the most preseason buzz is a true freshman.

Ever since he stepped on campus this summer, receiver Jaylen Waddle has impressed those in and around the Crimson Tide football program ahead of the fast-approaching 2018-19 season.

“He’s been really fun to watch,” redshirt sophomore tight end Miller Forristall said.

“He’s one of those new guys that has come in and, I think, done a very good job just doing what they are asking him to do. And continuing to do so is for the coaches to decide how that plays out, but I think that he’s done really well.”

Waddle was the third-highest-rated player in Alabama’s 2018 signing class as the No. 39 overall recruit, No. 5 wide receiver at No. 3 player in Texas, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.

In Alabama’s second scrimmage of camp, the second-team offense’s first play was a 59-yard pass down the sideline to Waddle from Jalen Hurts. The two Houston natives later connected on a 35-yard touchdown. He also caught a touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa.

Earlier in the preseason at the Crimson Tide’s Media Day, Tagovailoa was asked if any young wide receivers had impressed him and said Waddle “has been a really good asset for us.” He also mentioned the trio of receivers that saw significant minutes last year as true freshmen, and each of them shared their analysis of Waddle during Thursday afternoon’s interviews.

Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle makes a play during last Saturday's closed scrimmage.

Jerry Jeudy: “He’s very shifty and quick and got elite speed, so that really helps him get around so linebackers, safeties won’t be able to touch him. So, that really helps him get around, get open.”

Henry Ruggs III: “I feel like the biggest thing with him will just be staying humble. Don’t really get into ‘I need to do this, I need to do that.’ Just play his part and do what he needs to do. … He’s a guy that can make plays. He’s had a couple of good plays from practice. And he’s a guy that can help us.”

DeVonta Smith: “The energy that he has and just how energized he is. He’s ready, he’s fast. He’s ready to play.”

Standing at 5-foot-10, 177 pounds and wearing No. 17 this fall, Waddle will also be a factor in the return game in his first year in a crimson uniform thanks to his electric athletic ability. Jeudy said it is between Ruggs and Waddle for the title of the fastest receiver on the team.

Like recent seasons, it is not uncommon for a young receiver to see the field early at Alabama. We saw it happen with players like Julio Jones, Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley and most recently with the trio of Jeudy, Ruggs and Smith. Could Waddle be next in that long line?

“With any freshman, our expectation is that he comes in and defines his role by how he’s able to learn, how he’s able to pick up things,” said first-year offensive coordinator Mike Locksley at the start of the Crimson Tide’s preseason camp. “I know when we recruited Jaylen, he had a skill set, tremendous speed, short area quickness and big-play ability.

“I think he’ll fit in great with the three guys that played a lot for us last year in Smitty, Jeudy and Ruggs.”

Contact Charlie Potter by 247Sports' personal messaging or on Twitter (@Charlie_Potter).

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