Alabama Football Places Four on Freshman All-SEC Team
12/10/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Alabama football team placed four student-athletes on the Freshman All-Southeastern Conference Team, the league office announced Thursday afternoon.
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley and offensive lineman Ross Pierschbacher were selected on offense, while cornerbacks Minkah Fitzpatrick and Marlon Humphrey were the representatives on defense. The Tide's four honorees were the most of any school in the league.
Ridley, from Coconut Creek, Fla., was a second team coaches All-SEC selection as well. He has developed into the Tide's leading receiver, reeling in a freshman school-record 75 catches for 893 yards and five touchdowns. Ridley ranks third in the SEC in receptions and second among all freshman in catches, yards and touchdowns. He was named the SEC Freshman of the Week after catching five passes for 120 yards and a touchdown against Georgia.
Pierschbacher, from Cedar Falls, Iowa, has been a stable addition at left guard for the Alabama offensive line. The unit has dominated the line of scrimmage as the Tide ranks fourth nationally in time of possession (33:52) and 27th in rushing offense (208.2 ypg). For the season, Pierschbacher has missed only five assignments and surrendered just half of a sack. He also has recorded 26 knockdown blocks.
Fitzpatrick, from Old Bridge, N.J., has made an immediate impact on a defensive unit that is widely considered the best in the country. He has recorded 41 stops, including three tackles for a loss (-18 yards) and two sacks (-17 yards). He also has two interceptions, eight pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, a blocked kick and a punt return touchdown. Against Texas A&M, Fitzpatrick became the first player in school history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a single game. His performance earned him Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week honors, as well as FWAA National Defensive Player of the Week and SEC Freshman of the Week.
Humphrey, from Hoover, Ala., has also made his presence felt in the defensive secondary, which ranks fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense (100.98). He has started every game for the Tide this season, notching 40 tackles, including 2.5 for a loss (-14 yards), and ranks second on the team with three interceptions. He also has five pass breakups and two forced fumbles.
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