Alabama's Richard Mullaney draws comparisons to Kevin Norwood

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Just a few games into his Alabama career, wide receiver Richard Mullaney is already being compared to a former Crimson Tide fan favorite.

"My first impression of Mullaney was that he has good hands," Tide safety Geno Matias-Smith said. "He's a sure catch -- kind of reminds me of Kevin Norwood. That's been a comparison from a lot of guys."

For those who don't remember, Norwood was nicknamed Mr. Reliable and Mr. Clutch during his time with the Tide. On Alabama's game-winning drive against LSU in 2012, it was Norwood who set up Yeldon's touchdown. Norwood had three catches prior to Yeldon's big screen pass. Starting in the 2011 BCS national championship game and flourishing until the two graduated, Norwood was AJ McCarron's favorite target in large part because he caught nearly everything thrown his way.

The Tide hopes Mullaney can continue to develop into that of role as the team begins SEC play against Ole Miss on Saturday at 9:15 p.m. Mullaney could be a security blanket of sorts for quarterback Jake Coker and the Tide's offense.

"He's just a savvy guy. Of course he's not the fastest, but he knows how to get open," Tide cornerback Cyrus Jones said. "If the ball is in his area, he's going to go up and get it. He's definitely a sure-handed guy, tough and makes catches in traffic. He's somebody we're looking for to make plays on offense."

Mullaney, an Oregon State transfer, arrived at Alabama during the summer. He caught 58 passes for 788 yards and three touchdowns at Oregon State.

So far this season, Mullaney has three grabs for 45 yards. But he's made key blocks and has helped as a punt returner on special teams.

Of Alabama, Mullaney said, "There's not really anything better than this, in my eyes." It was Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin who first reached out to Mullaney, and after that, Mullaney said he didn't consider any other programs.

"Me and my dad sat down at the the end of my junior year and just kind of talked about what was going to be best for me," Mullaney said. "It kind of all fell into place, and it was just the right time.

"Honestly, it was just so crazy how everything happened. It's kind of all a blur right now. But I got my release and the next thing you know I was flying out to Alabama."

It was a bit of a perfect storm as Mullaney wanted to continue his playing career while the Tide needed experienced receivers with Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White and Christion Jones all moving on.

"Yeah, I mean just talking to coach Saban about (everything) and he was telling me about how young the receivers were, very talented but young -- just saying how he can use my maturity and my leadership as a positive," Mullaney said. "Obviously just having me grow in this program and getting to know the guys, it's been great. Just being able to prove myself and show them that I can play has been really fun."

It didn't take long for Mullaney to win over his teammates. Tide tight end O.J. Howard called Mullaney a "steal" for the team. Jones said he has a "great personality" and is a "great asset" to the team.

With Alabama embracing Mullaney, he said he didn't have to change his game or his approach.

"It was a very smooth transition," Mullaney said. "I was just myself. At the end of the day I wasn't trying to do or be anything I wasn't. I just came here being Richard Mullaney and that's it."

-- Contact Anniston Star Sports Writer Marq Burnett at mburnett@annistonstar.com. On Twitter:@Marq_Burnett.

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 7:50 PM with the headline "Alabama's Richard Mullaney draws comparisons to Kevin Norwood ."