The Alabama coaching staff selected 10 players of the week following the Crimson Tide’s 59-3 win over New Mexico State last Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Evan Neal, Brian Robinson Jr. and Bryce Young on offense; Will Anderson Jr., Jalyn Armour-Davis and Jordan Battle on defense; and Slade Bolden, Demouy Kennedy, Christian Leary and DeVonta Smith on special teams were all recognized for their play in UA’s final non-conference matchup of the 2021 regular season.
OFFENSE
Evan Neal
- Did not allow a sack or hurry in 44 plays before exiting the game early in the second half
- Recorded a team-high three knockdown blocks and did not commit a penalty on the day
- Helped open holes for 247 rushing yards and provided time for UA quarterbacks to throw for 340 yards
Brian Robinson Jr.
- Carried nine times for a team-high 99 yards with a career-long touchdown run of 63 yards
- Added five receptions for 36 yards to finish with 135 all-purpose yards by day’s end
Bryce Young
- Put together an efficient effort, finishing 21-of-23 for 270 yards and a career-high tying five touchdowns
- Completed his first 13 throws on his way to posting an Alabama single-game completion percentage record at 91.3 percent (min. 20 completions)
- Also rushed four times for seven yards against the Aggies
DEFENSE
Will Anderson Jr.
- Made two tackles, both of which were sacks (-6 yards)
- Helped the Tide defense finish with a season-high tying seven sacks (-35 yards)
Jalyn Armour-Davis
- Led UA in tackles with six solo stops while adding one pass breakup
- Played a key role in the Tide’s secondary that held NMSU to just 129 yards passing
Jordan Battle
- Totaled five tackles to rank second on the defense
- Directed a Tide defensive unit that limited the Aggies to only 138 yards of offense on the day
SPECIAL TEAMS
Slade Bolden
- Made an impact in the return game, returning a pair of punts and one kickoff
- Combined for 37 yards on his two punt returns with a long of 24 while adding 15 yards on his kick return
- Added one catch for 13 yards as a receiver
Demouy Kennedy
- Made one stop on kickoff coverage to pin the Aggies back at their own six-yard line
- Also saw his first career minutes at running back, rushing seven times for 16 yards
Christian Leary
- Blocked a punt by New Mexico State that was recovered by the Tide and returned 20 yards
- Earned minutes at tailback as well, rushing three times for 22 yards and catching one pass for no gain
DeVonta Smith
- Raced down the sideline to make a stop on kickoff coverage, limiting the Aggie returner to only 18 yards
- Saw his most extensive time on special teams to date
**This information was acquired from a recent press release from Alabama Athletics.**
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
