TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- What we’re seeing from Jerry Jeudy this season began in pickup football games. Especially his now-signature juke moves, they were created and honed in the backyard.

“What I used to do in backyard football,” said Jeudy of his oftentimes lethal jab step into the turf. “Just trying to make the defender miss and just trying to make a play.”

Alabama’s sophomore wide receiver has had plenty of jukes that have resulted in highlights in Crimson Tide victories this year. The one that stands out the most was during UA’s 29-0 win at LSU where Jeudy jumped back from a would-be tackle and sent a Tiger defender flying.

“I’d say the LSU game when I caught that slant,” he said. “If he would have connected though, he probably would have knocked my head off. I just saw him last minute, stepped back and he blew it.”

Jeudy has never seen a juke he didn’t like. Well, except when he was on the wrong end of one. That instance, which he describes below, was a sort of inspiration for what we are seeing now.

“When I was younger, (former Louisville quarterback) Lamar Jackson, I used to play with him when I was younger,” Jeudy said. “He hit me with one of those moves before and ever since then, I took it from him and started adding it to my game. … He shook me.

“It was a backyard game. It was on the street, like a small little street. If you’re on the grass, you’re going to get hit. If you’re on concrete, they’re not going to hit you. So, it’s a real small space. You having a small space helps you out with knowing how to juke and stuff.”

Jackson is also a native of South Florida, hailing from Fort Lauderdale.

Jeudy said his teammates have both been making jokes about his jukes and picking up on them in practice. When they see him at the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility, they try to juke him in the hallways. At practice, they “just sit on everything,” so Jeudy has to get creative with his moves. But they still give credit where credit is due.

“I would say he’s definitely top three on the team,” said junior running back Josh Jacobs of Jeudy. “He’s probably one of the most elusive in the nation right now, if you were to rate them. It’s always special to see what he does with the ball in his hands.”

So, who are the other two?

“I would have to say (Jaylen Waddle) and … I don’t really like to say myself,” Jacobs said. “I’ll say Najee (Harris).”

Jeudy doesn’t agree with that statement, though. His rankings are different.

“Josh is in that category, too, because Josh has some moves, too,” Jeudy said. “He has the ability to run you over. I have to say Josh and Waddle, that’s it.”

On the season, Jeudy leads the Crimson Tide (10-0, 7-0 SEC) in every receiving category. The former 5-star recruit has caught 45 passes for 925 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 20.56 yards per reception, which is fifth-best nationally, and is tied for sixth in the nation with 10 touchdown catches this season. The sophomore leads the country in yards after catch average at 9.2 and is third nationally in yards per route run at 3.5, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Deerfield Beach, Fla., native’s 925 receiving yards this season are also good for ninth-best in school history. On Saturday, he passed Julio Jones’ 2008 season when he posted 924 yards.

Because of that and his jukes, Jeudy is one of 11 semifinalists for the Biletnikoff Award, which is annually given to the most outstanding receiver in college football, regardless of the position.

“It means a lot,” Jeudy said. “Having a good offense really helps you get recognized with your talent. Just having a great offense really helps you.”

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

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