Trent Richardson: Late TD Saves BCS Stat Line and Secures Top-10 Draft Selection

Alabama running back Trent Richardson was almost too late to the party.

There wasn’t a ton of offense in Alabama’s 21-0 win over LSU, and Richardson was largely to thank for the first three-plus quarters of action (or lack of).

For the second time in two months the LSU run defense did a tremendous job of bottling up the big 5'11", 225-pound back. Rarely did Richardson gain more than 3-to-4 yards per carry.

Until 4:45 remaining in the final quarter.

That’s when Richardson solidified his status as a top-10 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

On second and nine, quarterback A.J. McCarron handed him the ball, and it appeared as if Richardson would be stuffed. Instead, the patience paid off as Richardson used his blazing speed to race down the sidelines and secure the one and only touchdown of the game.

The 34-yard scamper was the knockout blow.

So instead of 19 carries for 62 yards and a 3.2 YPC average, Richardson finished with 20 carries for 96 yards, a TD and 4.8 YPC.

That’s a substantial difference.

Now the junior running back must decide if he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2012 NFL Draft. After registering the numbers he did in the biggest game of his life, it’s time to go.

The shelf life of a running back is incredibly small, and his resume is top-10 worthy. In three seasons he has racked up 3,034 yards and 34 TDs. His size, combined with his speed, is unheard of in college and seldom seen at the NFL level. This guy is a physical freak.

With teams like the Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins drafting in the top 10, the need for Richardson is there.

Sure, drafting running backs in the first round is a rarity these days, but like Adrian Peterson, a talent like Richardson rarely comes around. You can’t pass on this guy if your top need is a playmaker.

Congrats in advance on being a top-10 pick, Trent.