Mark Ingram Is Our 2009 Heisman Champion

Mark Ingram is not a flash in the pan. He is a two year Letterman for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The star running back has been instrumental in getting his team through two undefeated regular seasons. His complete effort in the 2009 SEC championship game allowed his team to take the hardware back to Tuscaloosa, a piece missing from the trophy case at the Capstone since 1999.

In 2008, as a true freshman, working behind Glen Coffee, Ingram had 143 carries for 728 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry and was an inspirational leader for the team.

In his debut, on national stage against the Clemson Tigers, Ingram had 17 rushes for 96 yards. His twelve touchdowns during the year led scoring for the undefeated regular season campaign.

His tough running style and signature "elephant stomp" in the end zone  has been a refreshing feature of the Crimson Tide running game for the past two years. He is a champion on and off the field.

In 2009, Ingram had 249 carries and rushed for 1,542 yards for a 6.2 yard per carry average. He scored 15 rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns on the season, leading running backs and receivers in scoring and production. Ingram's season rushing statistics placed him first amongst all running backs in the history of the storied program for a single season.

He is only a sophomore. He will be back, Lord willing, stronger than before and marching the Tide back down the field one carry at a time. Punishing the defenses and wearing them down on the way to a victory stomp.

In the closest race ever, Mark Ingram is a Heisman winner. Edging out Tony Gerhart by 28 points. In support, His mother, grandfather, President Witt, Coach Saban, Mrs. Terri and Coach Burton Burns were on hand in New York for the award presentation.

Roll Tide, Mark Ingram. You are our champion and we are behind you all the way to Pasadena.