LSU vs. Alabama: Trent Richardson and Top Talents Who Must Impress Scouts

The entire country will be watching Monday’s national championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers…including NFL scouts.

This is the final chance to impress scouts in game action before April’s draft. A big game on Monday means you are a clutch player that can be counted on in the biggest of moments. Choke and people begin to wonder about your mental toughness and will to win. Here are three players with a lot on the line in terms of draft positioning (and money) tonight: 

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

The junior has been mum on if he plans to enter the draft, but he’d be crazy not to with a big performance tonight.

At 5'11", 225 pounds, Richardson is the ideal size for an NFL back. He was a Heisman finalist and has arguably been the best running back of the year. His combination of size, strength and speed is incredible. He is drawing comparisons to Adrian Peterson and Darren McFadden.

With one last big performance under the bright lights, he can solidify himself as a Top-10 pick. A key fumble and bad performance would force scouts to re-think everything about Richardson’s mental makeup. 

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Who needs Patrick Peterson? Claiborne has been the most dominant defensive player on the second best unit in the nation. He has the prototypical size and speed to be a one-on-one shutdown corner in the NFL.

If he can shut down the mediocre ‘Bama passing game, he will lock down a spot in the Top 10 in the draft. In Round 1 against Alabama, Richardson was their top receiver. Marquis Maze is going to really struggle against Claiborne.

Mark Barron, S, Alabama

His open-field tackling is off the charts and his instincts make him hands down the best prospect at the safety position. His aggressiveness can be used against him, though, and the potential for Jordan Jefferson to lull him to sleep before beating him on the deep ball is real.

Barron has to stay patient with the LSU running attack to ensure he won’t let a Tigers receiver beat him deep.

Nobody’s position could fluctuate based on their performance more than Barron.