The Redskins Blog

Friday, February 13: Redskins Claim Anthony Alridge, Establishing A Trend

When the Redskins signed RB/KR Dominique Dorsey out of the CFL to a futures contract, I speculated that he might be a bargain version of Darren Sproles. Last night, the Redskins were awarded RB/KR Anthony Alridge off waivers from the Denver Broncos, and it now seems safe to say that “quick little kick returner” is a position that’s receiving some attention.

Alridge had a productive career with the University of Houston Cougars — he averaged 10 yards a carry over 95 carries in 2006; in 2007 he rushed for 1,597 yards (with a 6.2 yard average) and caught 42 passes for 428 additional yards. In fact, his college numbers were strong enough that he was named second team All-Conference USA.

That might not seem particularly impressive — it’s only second team, and it’s only Conference USA — but the three running backs ahead of him were Matt Forte (1,715 yards from scrimmage for the Bears), Kevin Smith (976 yards rushing for the hapless Lions), and Chris Johnson (named to the Pro Bowl for the Titans). So getting pushed down to fourth best in that crew is still pretty darned good.

Among the running back prospects at the 2008 NFL scouting combine, Alridge finished third in the 40-yard dash behind Johnson and fourth overall pick (and first running back selected) Darren McFadden, first in the broad jump, and sixth in the 3-cone drill.

So the numbers are there for that speedy kick returning role. He’s considered a bit undersized at a listed 5-9, 185 pounds, which hurt his stock, and he spent last season on injured reserve for the Broncos after tearing a ligament in his foot. But as a longshot heading into training camp, he shows some promise.

If nothing else, maybe he could help lead the Washington Redskins Marching Band.