Eli Ricks Named the Bednarik Defensive Player of the Week

In his first game starting for the Tide, Eli Ricks was named as the Bednarik Defensive Player of the Week. In Alabama's week 8 matchup against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Ricks was incredible. According to PFF, Ricks only allowed 1 completion on 10 targets including 5 pass deflections.

Coming into the season, Ricks was regarded as one of the best transfers in the nation after transferring from LSU. To begin the season Ricks somewhat disappointed Tide fans. This may be attributed to a off-season back injury that held him out of much of training camp but many rumors floated around that he was lazy in practice. Nonetheless, he still barely touched the field in Alabama's first 7 games.

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After a devastating loss to Tennessee where Hendon Hooker torched the Tide secondary for 385 yards and 5 touchdowns. Many called for Eli Ricks to be pushed into the starting lineup and he was given the opportunity to prove himself Saturday night and he certainly made the most of his opportunity, locking up Will Rogers and Mike Leach's offense all night.

The Tide's now corner duo if Kool-Aid Mckinstrey and Eli Ricks may prove to be vital for the rest of the season as Alabama needs to win out if they want to make the College Football Playoff.