Alabama Football Coaching Staff Recognizes Eight as Players of the Week

Eight Alabama players were recognized by the Crimson Tide coaching staff following Saturday’s 19-14 victory against Tennessee. Ryan Kelly, Calvin Ridley and ArDarius Stewart were the honorees on offense, while Ryan Anderson, Reggie Ragland and Jarran Reed represented the defense. JK Scott and Adam Griffith rounded out the list, representing the honorees on special teams.

Stewart, a sophomore from Fultondale, Ala., led the way for the Crimson Tide in receiving yards with six catches for 111 yards, five of those being first downs. Kelly returned to his starting role after missing the second half of last weekend’s game at Texas A&M and helped pave the way for 364 yards of total offense, including 143 yards rushing for junior tailback Derrick Henry, who also found the end zone twice. Ridley continued to improve in his first year with the Crimson Tide, hauling in six catches for 62 yards. Four of those receptions went for first downs against the Volunteers. The freshman has been impressive through his first eight games at Alabama, leading Alabama in receiving with 499 yards on 44 catches this season.

For the third week in a row, Ragland led the team in tackles, tying his season-high with 12 stops. This is the seventh time in the last eight games the senior has led the Crimson Tide in tackles and 10^th time overall for his career. He also recorded one tackle for loss against the Volunteers. Reed, who has also been honored multiple times this season, was explosive off the line, totaling five tackles, a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry. Anderson made what could be considered the play of the day on defense, sealing the victory for the Crimson Tide when he sacked Tennessee quarterback Joshua Dobbs to force a fumble that led to a turnover in the Tide’s favor. He also recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry in his most complete game of the season.

Scott averaged 49.8 yards on four punts, including a 56-yard boot. He had two punts inside the 20 while helping flip the field for the Crimson Tide in a game that field position proved critical. The second-year punter was also awarded the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts against the Volunteers. Griffith connected on both of his field goal attempts while adding an extra point for the Crimson Tide. The junior averaged 64.6 yards on five kickoffs with four touchbacks.

Alabama will use this week to rest up on a bye before welcoming the LSU Tigers to Bryant-Denny Stadium on Nov. 7. The Tide and Tigers are scheduled for a 7 p.m. CT kickoff on CBS.