He’s just two seasons in, but he already has the attentions of NFL scouts.
As a true freshman in 2015, he posted 89 receptions for 1045 yards, and 7 touchdowns. His numbers dipped a little last season due to Jalen Hurts’ ability to use his legs: Ridley pulled in 72 catches for 769 yards and 8 total touchdowns as a sophomore. Former Alabama wide receiver – and fourth-overall pick – Amari Cooper, had a similar trajectory in his first two years: 1000 receiving-yards in his first, 736 yards in his second. Like Ridley, he also had a combined 15 touchdowns in those first two seasons.
At 6’1″, it isn’t his height, and at just 188-pounds, it’s not his size. When Amari Cooper was tested at the NFL Combine prior to being drafted, he measured in at the same height as Calvin, but over 20-pounds heavier at 210, and still ran a 4.42 in the 40.
So, what is it that makes him elite?
The combination of exceptional footwork and strong hands to go along with his 4.4 speed.
As seen in the clip above, Ridley is running a short outside hitch route. The two middle linebackers are sent on a blitz, and the defender on him ends up in zone coverage a few yards to far up field. After securing the catch, he turns around and almost immediately plants his right foot into the ground and head fakes the would-be tackler. After a pair of impressive blocks by Kenyan Drake and ArDarius Stewart, Ridley finds himself in the end zone.
Though he has a small frame, he uses that to his athletic advantage. If Amari Cooper was Superman, Ridley would be Spider-Man. His thin body allows him to make plays and keep his balance where others could not. Like in this play:
The defender played him perfectly, but the throw was perfect and the catch even better. Completely stretched out to catch the ball, he still manages to find a way stay in bounds and get two feet down before falling to the sidelines. His tremendous catching ability is also on display in this clip. His back is initially turned on the play, but his eyes zero in on the ball immediately upon turning around. He uses that to high-point the ball and secure it to his chest so that it won’t pop out on impact.
On this play, much like in the last, Ridley high-points the ball – except this time it’s over two defenders instead of one.
In his sophomore year, defenses played a little bit tighter to him and the offense was much different with Hurts behind the center. While he had less 60-plus-yard touchdowns on play actions, he was still critical to Alabama’s success. To put his season in perspective, watch this video by our cohort at M&M Productions:
A lot of his production this season came on short routes and sweep (pass?) plays out of the backfield.
While at first glance, one would assume he may not be strong enough at his current weight, however he is as sure-handed as any receiver I’ve ever watched. Regardless of the defender, Ridley has found a way to make plays.
Amari Cooper set records in his third year at Alabama, and I expect Calvin Ridley will follow suit. With newly-hired Brian Daboll, one of Saban’s best receiving corps, the returning SEC offensive player of the year at quarterback, and a stable of top-notch running backs, the defense will have its hands full trying to stop everyone else and leave Ridley just a little too much space.
Any amount of space is enough for the future first-rounder.
J.A. Weaver is a contributor for TD Alabama Magazine and Bama Hoops Hype. You can contact him via phone at 205-612-5060, or on Twitter @JWeaver_TDALMag
