As kickoff approaches ever so quickly for Alabama this Saturday, the pregame excitement is in full swing. What’s also exciting is which former member of the crimson tide will make his return to the sidelines as an honorary team captain.
Well, it was announced on Thursday that Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley will be representing Alabama at midfield for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.
Ridley played under Nick Saban from 2015-17 where he posted astonishing numbers and was one of the most accomplished players during his time in Tuscaloosa. In his three years with the team, Ridley ranks second in receptions (224) and receiving touchdowns (19) as well as third in receiving yards (2,781).
This led to Ridley getting selected by Atlanta in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft where he turned in an impressive rookie season with 64 receptions, 821 yards and 10 touchdowns which is a Falcons rookie record.
For Duke, New York Jets wide receiver Jamison Crowder will serve as its honorary captain for the game.
You will be able to see both receivers and their former schools square off this Saturday at 2:30 CT in Mercedes Benz Stadium and on ABC.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
