Two Tide Players Earn SEC Weekly Award Honors

Alabama junior running back Derrick Henry and freshman wide receiver Calvin Ridley earned SEC Player of the Week recognition the Southeastern Conference announced Monday morning following the Crimson Tide’s 38-10 win at No. 8 Georgia.

Derrick Henry was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the second time this season after rushing for 148 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries against the Bulldogs. The 148 yards and 26 carries both eclipsed his previous career highs, and marked the eighth time in his career surpassing the century mark. The game captain broke free for a touchdown run of 30 yards early in the second quarter to match the Alabama record for consecutive games with a rushing touchdown at 10.

Calvin Ridley was recognized as the Southeastern Conference Freshman Player of the Week after a career performance as well. The freshman receiver caught five passes for a career-high 120 yards and a touchdown, becoming the first true freshman receiver to have a 100-yard receiving game since Amari Cooper in the BCS National Championship game against Notre Dame.

The 120 yards nearly doubled his season total for yards after having just 125 yards entering the game. Two of his four catches went for 45 yards or longer, with a 50-yard grab in the first quarter followed by a 45-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Three of his four receptions converted first downs for the Crimson Tide, and he averaged a career-best 28.75 yards per reception. Ridley has flourished in his expanded role in the last four games, reeling in 19 passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns.

Henry and Ridley will look to lead the Crimson Tide this Saturday as the team returns home to Bryant-Denny Stadium to face the Arkansas Razorbacks. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.