He is the head coach of the University of Maryland, but he is forever grateful of the three years he spent on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama.
Michael Locksley came to the Crimson Tide as an offensive analyst in 2016 and in the following season, he would help develop a culture at wide receiver that guided the Tide to a College Football Playoff National Championship.
As co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers’ coach, Locksley had the original “Rydeouts” with Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III in 2017. In an interview with Ridley at Southeastern Conference Media Days, he referred to Locksley as being ‘really cool.’
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His philosophy was getting the ball into hands of the best players and Ridley benefitted as he was Alabama’s leading target that year. The former five-star caught 63 passes for 967 yards and five touchdowns – including one in the CFP title game versus Georgia. Jeudy and Ruggs, both freshmen then, found ways to contribute as well.
Jeudy was second on the roster in receptions (14), while Ruggs led the Tide in touchdown catches (six). Locksley was promoted to head play caller in 2018 and Alabama exploded.
Jeudy won the Fred Biletnikoff Award and was an All-American, following a performance of 1,315 receiving yards with 14 scores on 68 receptions.
Ruggs brought in 46 passes for 741 yards with 11 touchdowns.
The development from Locksley in two seasons has Jeudy and Ruggs as the top two players at their respective positions in this year’s NFL Draft class. Both guys are projected to be the first two receivers selected on Thursday night.
Prior to the event, Locksley is going live via Instagram on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. (EST) with Ridley, Jeudy and Ruggs.
?‼️DON’T BLINK you might miss it! Tomorrow night is a 3-for-1 special!! RYDE OUT with @CalvinRidley1 of the ATL Falcons, @__RUGGS & @jerryjeudy NCAA Champions and NFL prospects!You won’t want to miss this!!Late Night w/ Locks tomorrow night @ 7 pm EST ??? #throughthistogether pic.twitter.com/is27qF9LRS
— Michael Locksley (@CoachLocks) April 21, 2020
The Rydeouts will be reunited with him, as they discuss the draft and adjusting to the coronavirus among other subjects.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
