No. 4 Alabama football's depth chart continues to get thinner, but the latest hit isn't the result of an injury.
Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson was ejected from the game in the fourth quarter vs. South Florida for targeting, which was confirmed by officials after review. Jefferson was ruled to have led with his helmet on USF quarterback Byrum Brown as the Bulls gunslinger scrambled into a slide.
As a result of his targeting call, which also came with a 15-yard penalty, Jefferson will miss the first half next week at Wisconsin .
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Jefferson's targeting penalty led to a field goal from USF, cutting Alabama 's lead to 21-16. Freshman star Ryan Williams then responded with a 43-yard touchdown reception to put the Crimson Tide up 28-16 with 5:50 remaining in the game.
The Memphis, Tennessee native is seeing more playing time this season for the Tide after spending last season mainly on special teams with some spent time at linebacker. He finished with a total of four tackles and a forced fumble in 14 games last season for Alabama.
The NCAA Football rule book dictates that targeting gnerally must meet one of the following criteria:
Leading with the crown of the helmet
Making forcible contact to head or neck area of a defenseless player
If a player is called for targeting, it results not only in a 15-yard penalty, but also forces an ejection of the offending player. If the call occurs in the second half of a game, it also means the player must miss the first half of their ensuing game.
This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Justin Jefferson targeting: Alabama football LB ejected vs USF
