Alabama Coaching Staff Names Six Players of the Week following Win over Mercer

Two on offense, three on defense and one on special teams earned the recognition

 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – 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

 

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