TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Chuck Bednarik Award named Alabama senior linebacker Reggie Ragland its National Defensive Player of the Week Thursday following the Crimson Tide’s 27-14 win over Arkansas Saturday evening.
The Tide’s senior captained an Alabama defense that limited Arkansas to just 220 yards and 14 points. The 220 yards of offense was more than 250 yards below the Razorbacks’ season average of 476 ypg entering the contest.
For the fifth time this season, Ragland led the team in tackles with eight, including seven solo stops. He was all over the field with one sack, a forced fumble, pass breakup and two quarterback hurries. His performance also led the Crimson Tide defense in production points with a season-high total.
Senior defensive lineman Jarran Reed was also named to the Bedanrik Award Watch List on Thursday, joining Ragland and DL A’Shawn Robinson. He is coming off of a four-tackle game against Arkansas with half of a tackle for loss.
Ragland and Reed commanded a defensive charge that limited Arkansas’ vaunted rushing attack to just 44 yards on 25 carries for a 1.8 yards per carry average. They helped Alabama force seven three-and-outs in 14 Razorback possessions and limited the Hogs to just 77 yards of offense in the first half.
