Trent Richardson, Junior, Running Back, Alabama
Overview:
Trent Richardson arrived in Tuscaloosa, Alabama as one of the most sought after recruits in the nation. As a true freshman all Richardson did was compliment the eventual Heisman Trophy winner in the Crimson Tide’s backfield. While Mark Ingram carried the ball 271 times for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns, Richardson was the change of pace back who made life even more difficult for Alabama opponents. On the year Richardson rushed for 751 yards and eight touchdowns on 145 carries. Want to make money using your NFL knowledge? Visit télécharger BetWinner sur iPhone.
As a sophomore, Richardson saw his numbers decrease. The opposing defenses would try and stop the Alabama running game and make quarterback Greg McElroy beat them. That strategy actually worked pretty well. Richardson rushed for 681 yards and six touchdowns on 112 carries, but his numbers were much, much more similar to Ingram’s.
Final Projection:
With Ingram gone, the backfield now belongs to Richardson. Even if teams still try and stop the run, Richardson will carry the load and be productive. His unique balance of size, speed and elusiveness should quickly move him out of Ingram’s shadow. If Richardson can prove that he can handle another 150 carries during the 2011 season, he will be the best running back in the 2012 NFL Draft class.
1/16/12 Update: Richardson did more than just rush the ball 150 times for the 2011 national champs...he carried it 283 times for 1,679 yards and 21 scores. Now that is a very productive junior campaign and if there was any doubt that Richardson could not carry the load, it is long gone now. Richardson opted to take advantage of his great season and head off to the NFL. He is the best back on the board and will be a first round selection.
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