TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama is buzzing with pride this week after two of its star athletes were recognized for their outstanding performances in their respective sports. Football standout Malik “Jet” Simmons and softball powerhouse Kennedy Blake have been named SEC Players of the Week following explosive showings that turned national attention toward Tuscaloosa.
Malik Simmons, the Crimson Tide’s electrifying sophomore wide receiver, earned his nickname “Jet” for a reason—and he proved why last Saturday night under the lights at Bryant-Denny Stadium. In Alabama’s gritty 38-31 victory over LSU, Simmons recorded a career-high 214 receiving yards and three touchdowns, including a 74-yard catch-and-run that showcased both his breakaway speed and crisp route-running.
“Malik was unstoppable,” head coach Kalen DeBoer said. “He put in the work all spring, and this game was a reflection of that dedication. He’s becoming the type of player defenses lose sleep over.”
This marks Simmons’ first SEC Player of the Week honor, and if his current trajectory holds, it likely won’t be his last. With four games remaining in the regular season, he now leads the SEC in receiving touchdowns with nine and is third in total receiving yards.
Meanwhile, just across campus, Kennedy Blake continued her reign of dominance on the diamond. The junior catcher has become the heart and soul of Alabama softball, and this past weekend’s three-game sweep of Florida proved it. Blake went 8-for-11 at the plate with three home runs, including a grand slam that sealed Saturday’s 9-3 win in front of a raucous home crowd at Rhoads Stadium.
“Every time she steps into the batter’s box, you can feel something big is about to happen,” said head coach Patrick Murphy. “She’s got ice in her veins and fire in her swing.”
Blake also threw out two attempted base stealers and called an impeccable game behind the plate, leading the Tide’s pitching staff to two shutouts over the Gators. She now sits atop the SEC batting average leaderboard at .462 and has driven in 37 RBIs this season.
The dual honors have brought a surge of excitement to Alabama’s athletic program, with fans and fellow students taking to social media to celebrate the achievements of Simmons and Blake. The university’s official athletics account posted, “Two stars. One Crimson Tide. Congrats to Malik and Kennedy—SEC Players of the Week!”
As Alabama heads into the final stretch of the spring season, both athletes are expected to play pivotal roles in their teams’ championship aspirations. Simmons will lead the Tide into a highly anticipated matchup against Georgia next week, while Blake and the softball team prepare to face Auburn in the Iron Bowl series.
For now, though, Roll Tide Nation is taking a moment to celebrate two of its best. In a week defined by big plays and even bigger hearts, Malik Simmons and Kennedy Blake have etched their names in Crimson lore—at least until next Saturday.
