He needed one game to show it, but Eli Ricks is now comfortable in Alabama’s defense.
The transfer cornerback from Louisiana State University made his first career start for the Crimson Tide against Mississippi State and dominated inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. He made the secondary look better with his length, football intelligence, coverage skills, athleticism, competitiveness, and energy. Ricks, a California native, forced five incompletions — including four pass breakups (shared the team lead) in Alabama’s 30-6 victory. He earned multiple individual awards for his performance, but the former five-star also gained the respect of his teammates. After a bye week, Ricks will return to Tiger Stadium on Saturday where he spent his first two college football seasons.