The Alabama coaching staff selected six players of the week following a 48-14 win over Mercer in the Crimson Tide’s home opener at Bryant-Denny Stadium last Saturday. JoJo Earle and Evan Neal on offense; Christian Harris, Kool-Aid McKinstry and Drew Sanders on defense; and Jase McClellan on special teams all earned the honors for their efforts against the Bears.
OFFENSE
JoJo Earle
- Led all Alabama wideouts with seven receptions and 85 yards on the day
- Converted three first downs while averaging 12.1 yards per catch
- Added three punt returns for a combined 45 yards with a long return of 29
Evan Neal
- Turned in the highest grade of all Crimson Tide offensive linemen
- Perfect on all assignments and totaled four knockdown blocks
- Did not allow a sack, quarterback hit or pressure while helping UA rack up 424 yards of total offense
DEFENSE
Christian Harris
- Played a key role for the UA defense that allowed just 68 yards rushing and 236 yards overall
- Recorded a team-high eight tackles against the Bears, including one for a loss (-1 yard)
- Totaled four solo stops to lead all Tide defenders
Kool-Aid McKinstry
- Stepped in and excelled in his start at corner
- Totaled six tackles to tie for second on the team
- Picked off his first pass of the season and added one pass breakup
Drew Sanders
- Made his first career start in the crimson and white
- Broke up a pair of passes off the edge, part of the Tide’s five pass breakups on the day
- Added two tackles to his stat line
SPECIAL TEAMS
Jase McClellan
- Picked up a blocked punt and returned the ball 33 yards for a Crimson Tide touchdown
- The punt block and score was UA’s first since 2019
- Added a pair of tackles on special teams with one on punt and another on kickoff coverage
**This information was acquired from a recent press release.**
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
