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Ridley settling in as punt returner

Calvin Ridley is expected to return punts vs. Southern Cal (Gary Cosby Jr.)

Although he knows other players are charging at him full speed, Calvin Ridley blocks out the sound of the footsteps as they thump louder and louder, closer and closer.
If he doesn't and ends up even the slightest bit distracted, the University of Alabama sophomore knows there's a chance he'll drop the football, ultimately failing at the task at hand: catching the punt.
"Just stare at it the whole time until I get it in my hands," Ridley said.
Then, he makes his reads off the blocks – and runs.
It's one step at a time for Ridley, especially now as he takes on a second role for the Crimson Tide as its new punt returner.
Ridley had a breakout freshman season as a wide receiver, setting the single-season UA rookie receiving record with 1,045 yards on 89 receptions. He surpassed Armari Cooper, who set the bar back in 2012 at 1,000 yards.
At the beginning of August, Alabama coach Nick Saban called Ridley a mature competitor. That notion hasn't changed.
"The most important thing about punt return is putting a guy back there that has really good judgment, " Saban said, "especially in this day and age when people rugby punt and the balls can be difficult to field. He does a really good job of that. He's got good judgment. He's got some experience. He's explosive as a returner."
Ridley returned punts in high school, and he was able to observe former Alabama defensive back Cyrus Jones excel at the position all last season.
But, that was about it.
"When I first got here, I wasn't too good at catching it," Ridley said, "and then Cyrus, I used to see what he did to square up to the ball and stuff."
Jones, who was picked by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, returned 42 punts last season for 530 yards and four touchdowns. Ridley took mental notes on how quick Jones was with his returns, how swiftly he handled his breaks and how well he noticed open paths.
Saban has also been giving Ridley some pointers. After all, Ridley has learned since Jones left a void on Alabama's depth chart; the rookie returner is feeling more confident in his abilities now.
Ridley will more than likely get his first shot at a live, collegiate punt return, too, this Saturday in Arlington, Texas, against Southern Cal.
"I am excited," he said. "Overall, I am excited about the game and just to get back out there and playing football again with different players."

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