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Alabama in the Pros

Calvin Ridley and Jaylen Waddle will practice against each other this summer

Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons scores a TD versus Carolina Panthers in 2019 season
Jason Getz - USA Today Sports

Calvin Ridley will open his fourth NFL season as the No. 1 wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons.

He takes over the primary role in the departure of Julio Jones to the Tennessee Titans.

Last year, Ridley turned in his first career 1,000-yard campaign with 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns on 90 receptions. Despite the Falcons missing the playoffs, the former Alabama standout had eight 100-yard games. Before he plays in the fall, Ridley will face another alumnus of the Crimson Tide in joint practices this summer. Atlanta and the Miami Dolphins are scheduled to face-off, which puts Ridley and Jaylen Waddle against each other. Both players are skillful route runners with speed, reliable hands, and marquee playmaking skills.

Ridley and Waddle were both first-round picks, and they won national championships at Alabama.

RELATED: Julio Jones and Derrick Henry will finally be on the same NFL team

One looks to continue Matt Ryan’s career, while the other is about to help Tua Tagovailoa become a success.

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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.

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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