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Sports

'Quick' shows off speed in backfield

by BRANDON WHITE
The Daily Cougar

Yes, his name is Anthony Alridge, but any one who has seen him on the field would understand why he goes by the alias of "Quick".

Saturday afternoon at Robertson Stadium, the Central Florida Golden Knights quickly found out the meaning behind his nickname. The junior running back had a field day against the Golden Knight defense. He gained 131 yards on nine rushes, making a massive contribution to Houston's 51-31 victory over UCF. 

"I feel great (about my performance). I didn't even know I had that many yards," Alridge said. "It's just a blessing from God."

Alridge has become one of the lethal weapons out of the backfield for head coach Art Briles. Alridge is averaging 11.2 yards per carry this season and has five touchdowns, serving as a change-of-pace back to compliment the bruising style of senior running back Jackie Battle.

He has also been very reliable for the Cougars this season, coming through when it matters the most. Other coaches have to consider him as a game-breaker, especially after seeing him on film. 

"I just feel like it's a respect thing, and playing the way I am right now it feels great getting all the respect from all the coaches and from my coaches, especially because they are putting me in the position to help our team," Alridge said. "My coaches and my offensive line are doing their job, making me look good when I'm really not all that."

"Quick" knows how big next week is to the Cougars, and he is more than ready for Saturday's game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. The outcome of the game will likely determine the winner of Conference USA's West Division.

"I can't wait to play Tulsa. Everybody in the conference is saying that Tulsa is the No. 1 team in the conference," Alridge said. "Everybody in the ESPN polls are saying that Tulsa is the No. 1 team in the conference, and we just got to come out and play and let them know … we can play."

His words reflect the devotion of a soldier. Alridge said he respects what the men and women overseas are doing for their country, and as part of his uniform he's elected to wear a camouflage bandana to show his support.

"It's something I've been wearing since high school," Alridge said. "I feel like when I have it on I just got to play like a soldier. We've got … soldiers across seas battling for us, and I'm going to battle for them on the football field."

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