Cornerback Eli Ricks Shines For Alabama Against Mississippi State
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Eli Ricks' transition from LSU to Alabama had been a rocky one. From not seeing much time in the spring game, to suffering an injury during fall camp, and ultimately watching players like Terrion Arnold and Khyree Jackson get on the field before him.
That was until Saturday night. Ricks made his first career start for the Crimson Tide, and teammates said that that he never stopped working despite the setbacks and challenges.
"Regardless of the circumstances, he still practiced with the same energy," quarterback Bryce Young said of Ricks.
The reigning Heisman Trophy added he was happy when Ricks finally got his chance during Alabama's homecoming game against Mississippi State.
"He came in having to pick up a new system," Young said. "You saw that steady improvement from when he got here until now, and for it to translate, it's great to see your teammate be successful. It means a lot to me."
Alongside sophomore Kool-Aid McKinstry, Ricks put on an impressive performance with four pass breakups, tied for the team high in the 30-6 victory.
"He has a knack for the ball," linebacker Henry To'oTo'o said about Ricks. "He's so long that even if he's out of position, he's able to put his arm in there and get the ball out. He's a great player, has a great future and super excited to have him on the field with us."
Nick Saban, being the critical reviewer that he is of the position group he helps coach during practices, noted how a receiver caught a pass on Ricks due to being in the wrong position, but overall gave Ricks' performance a positive review.
"When you play five under-man, you're supposed to be underneath the guy so they don't catch a comeback on you," Saban said on the catch Ricks gave up, and noted that McKinstry yielded a similar reception, too.
"But I thought he played well. He prepared well all week, and I thought he played pretty well in the game."
Alabama is heading into a bye week, then will take on two teams that played each other this weekend: LSU defeated Ole Miss 45-20 on the strength of 369 total yards from Jayden Daniels. Jaxson Dart still threw for 284 yards on 34 attempts.
Both teams have strong passing offenses, so the Alabama secondary will need to maintain its level of play to make it successfully through both road games. But fans finally got a chance to see firsthand what all the hype was about Ricks when he transferred, and what he brings to the Crimson Tide defense.
See Also:
Solid, Smart 30-6 Win Over Mississippi State Music to Alabama's Ears
Alabama's Defensive Performance Just What the Doctor Ordered
Alabama Offense Sputters Against State
Instant Analysis: No. 6 Alabama 30, No. 24 Mississippi State 6
Alabama Returns To the Win Column, Defeating Mississippi State 30-6
Why Nick Saban Chose Not to Suspend Jermaine Burton
Much More Disciplined Alabama Team Against Mississippi State
Notebook: Targeting, Roughing the Passer Penalties Highlight Alabama vs. Mississippi State
Everything Alabama Coach Nick Saban Said After 30-6 Victory over Mississippi State
Everything Mike Leach Said During Epic Press Conference After 30-6 Loss at Alabama
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