Alabama A&M running back Kaderius Lacey, a first-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference preseason pick, left Saturday’s game with an ankle injury late in the second quarter and never returned.
Lacey suffered a sprain right ankle midway through the first half, but returned to the game with just over a minute left in the quarter.
He finished the game with 47 yards on 12 carries.
“I tried to go back in and play, but I couldn’t go 100 percent,” Lacey said. “I believe I made the best decision for me and the team.”
Lacey said he planned to be back next week when A&M opens SWAC play at Arkanas-Pine Bluff.
Redshirt sophomore Brendan Johnson, who fumbled on his first carry after Lacey left the game early in the first quarter, responded with a big second half.
Johnson had 57 yards on 12 carries in the final 30 minutes, including 43 yards on six carries on the Bulldogs’ lone touchdown drive.
“I had to make sure to tighten it up and get it together,” he said. “I trusted my line and trusted my runs and came out on top.”
Lacey was thrilled with the way Johnson responded after the early fumble.
“It takes all of us a minute to get in the game and get comfortable,” Lacey said. “He did really good. I’m proud of him.”
Bailey’s return
It had been almost two years since Alabama A&M defensive end Reggie Bailey played in a football game.
Bailey, a transfer from Pearl River (Miss.) Community College, had hoped to play last season, but was ruled academically ineligible.
He worked on his grades and got eligible and made his first career start in an A&M uniform Saturday night against Tuskegee and didn’t disappoint.
Bailey finished with six tackles, three solos and three assists, 2.5 tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
“It’s been a long time since I played,” Bailey said after the Bulldogs escaped with a 7-6 victory. “I waited a whole year last year. It was a good wait though …a real good wait.” read more…
