Alabama notes: Tide's Ragland named SEC defensive player of the week
After what Alabama coach Nick Saban called "probably one of his best games" on Saturday, Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland was named the Southeastern Conference defensive player of the week following the team's 24-17 victory over Arkansas.
It's the first of Ragland's career.
Ragland, who briefly left the game with a shoulder stinger, was humble and a bit surprised by the honor.
"It didn't even seem like I played that well," Ragland said.
For the fifth time in six games, Ragland led the Tide in tackles with eight total (seven solo). The senior captain also had a sack, forced a fumble, had a pass breakup and two quarterback hurries.
Saban said Ragland led the Tide's defense with "26 production points," the most by any player this season.
With Ragland leading the way, Alabama's defense held Arkansas' running game to just 44 yards on 25 carries for an average of 1.8 yards per attempt.
"I think Reggie has improved and worked hard," Saban said. "I think you would never know that there's any difference in how he approaches his work last year relative to this year. He's really responded well to the role of being the signal caller and team leader and done a really nice job for us. Had a really, really good game this last game."
Drake plays his best game
This season, Alabama running back Kenyan Drake has had better statistical games than the one he played against Arkansas. But Drake believes Saturday's game was the best he's played to date.
Saban has challenged Drake this season to not worry so much about hitting a home run, but rather take the three or four yard gain when it's there.
"I always felt that I want to take advantage of any opportunity I get, so I might try to do it too much in the sense of everytime I get the ball I want to score a touchdown," Drake said. "Well, anyone would want to, but everyone will have the will to win, but has to have the will to prepare to win. I think I had my best week of practice last week, and I felt I played my best game last week, too."
Drake rushed for 29 yards and had five catches for 37 yards against Arkansas. But it was his patience that the senior running back was proud of.
"Yes. I wanted the game to come to me," Drake said. "I didn't want to force the game upon myself. That was something I worked on all week, and I felt it worked out in the end."
Drake was one of seven players recognized as players of the week by the Tide's coaching staff.
Players of the week
Alabama's coaching staff recognized seven players for their performances in the Tide's 27-14 win over Arkansas.
Kenyan Drake and Calvin represented the offense while Reggie Ragland, A'Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed were named on defense. Cyrus Jones and JK Scott made the special teams list.
Drake averaged 4.1 rushing yards per carry while having 66 total yards of offense. Ridley led the way for the receivers with career-highs of nine catches and 140 yards.
Ragland had eight total tackles (seven solo). Robinson had five total tackles and one quarterback hurry. Reed, who has made the cut after five of the team's six games, had four stops and a tackle for loss.
Jones returned three punts and had a long of 27 yards. Scott averaged 50 yards on four punts and had a season-high of 58 yards.
Kickoff for Alabama-Tennessee
The SEC announced Monday that CBS is exercising its six-day selection option for Alabama's game against Tennessee on Oct. 24. Kickoff will either be at 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS or 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.
Texas A&M at Ole Miss is the other option for CBS. The network will likely choose the winner of Saturday's game.
Contact Anniston Star Sports Writer Marq Burnett at mburnett@annistonstar.com. On Twitter:@Marq_Burnett.
This story was originally published October 12, 2015 at 9:39 PM with the headline "Alabama notes: Tide's Ragland named SEC defensive player of the week ."