The Alabama Crimson Tide named its players of the week, and the SEC tabbed Trent Richardson as its Freshman of the Week. Read the official release below:

Richardson Named SEC Freshman of the Week
TUSCALOOSA – Alabama running back Trent Richardson has been named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week, following his impressive performance against Florida International last Saturday night in Tuscaloosa.

Richardson rushed 15 times for a career-high 118 yards and two touchdowns in just his second collegiate game. He also added two catches for 23 yards with a long reception of 12 yards to finish the game with 143 all-purpose yards. Richardson had touchdowns runs of nine and 35 yards and averaged an impressive 7.9 yards per carry.

“There were some guys that stepped up today,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said after the game. “Trent Richardson got more of an opportunity in this game like we knew he would and he did a great job.”

After two games, Richardson ranks 12th in the SEC in rushing (64.0 yards per game) and 25th in all-purpose yards (75.5 yards per game).

The SEC also listed sophomore linebacker Dont’a Hightower as honorable mention player of the week honors after his performance against the Golden Panthers. Hightower totaled six tackles (three solo) with 2.5 for losses, including a sack and two quarterback hurries.

The Alabama coaching staff recognized seven players of the week following the Crimson Tide’s 40-14 win over Florida International on Saturday.

Richardson, senior wide receiver Mike McCoy and junior offensive lineman James Carpenter shared offensive honors. Richardson rushed for a career-high 118 yards and two touchdowns while catching two passes for 23 yards to finish with 141 total yards. McCoy shattered his career high in receiving yards with 100 on five catches and one touchdown. Carpenter made his second career start at left tackle and anchored an offensive line that paved the way for 516 total yards in the game.

Hightower and senior nose tackle Terrence Cody were the defensive players of the week. Hightower had six tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Cody helped the Tide hold FIU to one total yard rushing on 26 attempts with all three tackles coming behind the line of scrimmage.

Senior Javier Arenas and freshman Dre Kirkpatrick shared the special teams’ award. Arenas averaged 25.3 yards on four punt returns and had one kickoff return for 25 yards while Kirkpatrick starred on several special teams units and excelled at the gunner spot on the punt team. Arenas leads the SEC with a 19.4 punt return average this season.