TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Seven Alabama players were recognized by the coaching staff following the Crimson Tide’s 45-21 victory over Georgia Southern as announced by head coach Nick Saban. Trent Richardson, Brandon Gibson and Brad Smelley were named players of the week on offense while Mark Barron represented the defense. On special teams, Dont’a Hightower, Kelly Johnson and Vinnie Sunseri were selected.

Richardson rushed for 175 yards and two scores on 32 carries to pace the Alabama offense. He also caught a four-yard touchdown pass. Richardson, who currently leads the SEC in rushing, broke Shaun Alexander’s school record for rushing touchdowns and now has 20 on the year. He is tied for second on the SEC single-season in terms of rushing touchdowns behind only Tim Tebow’s 2007 total of 23. Smelley and Gibson led all receivers with four catches each on Senior Day. Smelley totaled 58 yards with two touchdowns while Gibson recorded 49 total receiving yards. Alabama did not punt in the win Saturday.

Barron once again led the team in tackles with eight solo stops on the day. The senior safety helped the defense hold the Eagles to 122 yards and no points in the second half as their only score came on a kickoff return. Alabama held Georgia Southern to 2-of-9 on third down and leads the nation in all four major defensive categories.

Johnson assisted on three tackles on kickoff coverage according to the coaches, including one stop inside the 20. Hightower caused a 10-point swing in the game when he blocked a field goal that was returned for a touchdown by Dre Kirkpatrick. Hightower was also credited with six tackles. Sunseri had one official tackle on special teams and recorded a key block on kickoff return. He played on the kickoff, kickoff return and punt return teams.

Courtesy Alabama Athletic Media Relations