Elite Alabama talent announces he's going to the NFL
University of Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley is the latest member of the national champion Crimson Tide to declare for the NFL draft.
Ridley announced his decision Wednesday via Twitter.
“Preparing for a life after college football, regardless of what your future may hold, can be a scary proposition for many athletes especially those who DID NOT attend the University of Alabama,” he wrote. “Having been thoroughly prepared for that next step, I am truly ready, because in the beginning, I chose THE RIGHT SCHOOL.”
Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Ridley as the top receiver available.
Calvin Ridley is taking his talents to the NFL. pic.twitter.com/9G6FUr3rqv
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 10, 2018
In three years with the Crimson Tide, Ridley caught 224 passes for 2,781 yards and 19 touchdowns, including 63 catches for 967 yards and five touchdowns this season.
In Monday’s national championship game, Ridley caught four passes, including the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Tua to Calvin Ridley.
We're tied at 20.
What a game. pic.twitter.com/bDLAuln84g
— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) January 9, 2018
Ridley’s brother, Riley, is a sophomore receiver for the University of Georgia. After Monday’s title game, the two met on the field and swapped jerseys.
Calvin Ridley while wearing his brother's jersey: "Shout out [Riley], you went crazy on us. Not too many people do that, but we had to take it from you. I love you." pic.twitter.com/u9QrMX80pW
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) January 9, 2018
In announcing his decision to turn pro, Calvin Ridley also took time to thank Alabama head coach Nick Saban.
“Coach Saban, thank you for building winning football teams by turning good players intro great ones, and talented boys into successful men with a purpose,” Ridley said.
Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough and defensive lineman Da’Ron Payne, both of whom just completed their junior seasons, are also leaving school early to join the NFL.
Scarborough rushed for just 596 yards and eight touchdowns this past season after a sophomore year in which he ran for more than 800 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Scarborough made news prior to Monday’s NCAA championship game when a microphone appeared to pick up the running back yelling “F— Trump” while he was walking from the locker room to the field with his teammates.
Scarborough denied he made any reference to Trump, saying his profanity was directed at the Georgia Bulldogs.
Junior running back Damien Harris has decided he will return to Alabama for his senior season. Harris is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Crimson Tide.
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