Tide Safety Lester Gets SEC Honor

For the second time this year, Alabama sophomore safety Robert Lester has been selected the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Robert Lester, a 6-2, 205-pound first-year starting safety from Foley, turned in two interceptions and four tackles in Alabama’s 30-10 win over Mississippi State Saturday. His first interception killed a Bulldogs drive, coming at the Alabama six-yard line.

Lester is the SEC leader and tied for the national lead with seven interceptions this season. Alabama is tied for the NCAA lead with 17 interceptions on the season.

Earlier this year Lester was the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his two interceptions and seven tackles in the Tide’s win at Arkansas.

Alabama’s defense held Mississippi State to 299 total yards (149 rushing, 150 passing) in Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday.

Alabama leads SEC and is fourth nationally in scoring defense (13.4 ppg) and also first in the SEC and sixth in the NCAA in pass efficiency defense (100.41).

Also receiving mention from the SEC office for his play last weekend was Tide wide receiver and kick return specialist Marquis Maze. who accounted for 166 all-purpose yards, including 89 receiving on five catches with a 45-yard TD reception against Mississippi State.

Alabama, 8-2 overall and 5-2 in SEC games, has its final non-conference game of the year with a rare Thursday contest this week. Alabama will host Georgia State, coached by former Alabama head man Bill Curry. Kickoff from Bryant-Denny Stadium will be at 6:30 p.m. CST Thursday with television coverage by ESPNU.

Other SEC selections for games last week are:

Co-Offensive Players of the Week running back Marcus Lattimore of South Carolina and quarterback Cam Newton of Auburn; Special Teams Player of the Week punter/placekicker Spencer Lanning of South Carolina; Offensive Lineman Mike Berry of Auburn; Defensive Lineman DeQuin Evans of Kentucky; and Co-Freshmen quarterback Tyler Bray of Tennessee and Lattimore.