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Nick Saban, Alabama coaching staff recognizes 10 players of the week

Alabama defensive end Jonathan Allen (No. 93) getting instructions from DC Jeremy Pruitt against USC: Cedric Mason - Touchdown Alabama Magazine

After a 52-6 blowout win over Southern California, Alabama head coach Nick Saban and his staff recognized 10 players of the week on Monday morning. Four guys received accolades on offense, while defense and special teams each landed three names apiece prior to hitting the practice field.

OFFENSE

RB Damien Harris, sophomore 

Harris had a career-game against the Trojans, totaling 138 rushing yards on nine carries. He averaged 15.3 yards per attempt, with his longest runs coming on plays of 46 and 71 yards.

OT Cameron Robinson, junior 

In his 30th career start, Robinson did not allow a penalty, sack or quarterback pressure. He set the edge for Harris and other backs to a tune of 242 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Robinson graded out at 88 percent on his assignments, to lead Alabama’s offensive line against the Trojans.

OT Jonah Williams, freshman

Williams, who made his first career start, held his own at right tackle against the Trojans.

He blocked for 465 total yards (63 plays), with 242 of them coming on the heels of running backs. Coach Saban singled out Williams and Robinson as guys that really played well on the line.

WR ArDarius Stewart, junior 

Stewart, like Harris, found a way to own the stage at AT&T Stadium.

He set career-highs in receiving yards (113) and touchdowns (two), while hauling in four catches against Southern California. His 71-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter was the longest of his career, and his 39-yard score gave the Crimson Tide a 7-3 lead in the second quarter.

DEFENSE

DE Jonathan Allen, senior 

Allen disrupted the timing of USC’s offense all game long on Saturday. He finished with four tackles and two sacks, giving him 20 for his career (seventh all-time in school history).

LB Reuben Foster, senior 

Foster’s commitment to being a better tackler paid off last week. He totaled four stops, including one for loss and helped limit Southern California to 64 yards rushing on 30 carries. Foster found himself on the front end on a lot big hits, while allowing USC just 194 total yards on 67 plays.

CB Marlon Humphrey, sophomore 

Humphrey showed that he’s more than just a coverage cornerback.

He brought the wood in run support, amassing two tackles and shutdown a talented receiver in JuJu Smith-Schuster. Humphrey forced the Crimson Tide’s lone turnover of the game; an 18-yard interception returned for a touchdown off the arm of Max Browne to give Alabama a 17-3 lead.

SPECIAL TEAMS

DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, sophomore 

Fitzpatrick chimed in with one tackle on kickoff coverage, and helped limit Trojans’ returner Adoree’ Jackson from making critical plays. He ended with six tackles (three solo) and two pass breakups.

PK Adam Griffith, senior 

Griffith started his senior year by nailing a 29-yard field goal, the only attempt he had against USC. He was a perfect 7-of-7 on extra points, while averaging 63.1 yards on kick offs (four touchbacks).

P JK Scott, junior 

Scott kept Alabama’s offense in the game with his ability to flip the field. He averaged 47 yards a punt on five boots, including three attempts that pinned the Trojans’ inside its own 20-yard line.

Scott finished with three punts in excess of 50 yards, with his longest traveling 54 yards.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama MagazineYou can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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