Herschel Walker Comments on Leonard Fournette's Heisman Chances, NFL Future
Many have compared LSU running back Leonard Fournette to legendary collegiate star Herschel Walker, but the former University of Georgia standout believes the Heisman Trophy hopeful is even better than he was.
According to TMZ, the 1982 Heisman winner tabbed Fournette as the Heisman Trophy favorite and paid him the ultimate compliment, as an argument can certainly be made for Walker being the greatest college running back of all time.
Walker—who went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants in the NFL—is particularly impressed by Fournette's hard-charging running style, per TMZ.
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"He's like a fullback because he can take punishment and keep on going," he said.
The 230-pound sophomore has rushed for 631 yards and eight touchdowns through just three games, and he has almost single-handedly led the Tigers to a 3-0 start.
In addition to his Heisman candidacy, Fournette has been a hot topic due to the fact that he is NFL ready but cannot declare for the draft after the 2015 season since he is only a sophomore.
ESPN's Mike Greenberg is among those who believe Fournette shouldn't be held back based on the rigid rules laid forth by the NFL and NCAA:
Walker, on the other hand, feels as though Fournette and others should focus on the great things he is doing at the collegiate level, per TMZ.
"It's a bad idea to talk about leaving early, just wait and your time will come," he said.
Every indication is that Fournette will be a stud when he does ultimately make his way to the NFL, but until then, he has a chance to break a string of quarterback dominance with regard to the Heisman Trophy.
Of the past 15 Heisman winners, 13 of them have been signal-callers, but Fournette is undoubtedly standing out above the passers thus far in 2015.
Hype is a big part of the drive toward the Heisman Trophy, and with Walker firmly behind him, Fournette is well on his way to capturing the honor.
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