Alabama defensive back Eli Ricks made a significant impact during his first career start with the Crimson Tide and is now gaining national recognition for his performance.
Ricks was named the Chuck Bednarik Award’s player of the week following Alabama’s 30-6 victory over Mississippi State.
DB ➕ @BednarikAward
@eliasricks
#BamaFactor #RollTide pic.twitter.com/TLDEos23tJ— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) October 25, 2022
Up against the heavy passing attack of the Bulldogs’ offense Ricks recorded four pass breakups and two tackles as the defense held quarterback Will Rogers to 231 yards on 60 pass attempts. According to Pro Football Focus, Ricks also allowed just one catch on nine pass attempts from Rogers.
Following the game head coach Nick Saban recognized Ricks’ performance as a standout from the unit’s performance.
“I thought he did a good job,” Saban said. “He gave up one throw. When you’re playing five under man, you’re supposed to be underneath the guy, so the guy shouldn’t be able to catch a comeback on you and caught one on him. Caught one on Kool-Aid on 4th and 10. But I thought he played well. He did a good job. He prepared well all week. I thought he played pretty well in the game.”
The former LSU cornerback is likely to get his second career start against in former team in two weeks following the Crimson Tide’s bye week.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
