Super Bowl Champs Might Have Found Mike Bell's Replacement

Sometime during the preseason game between the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints on Friday night, an unexpected name was called on a touchdown score for the defending Superbowl Champions.

It was an impressive run off of a Patrick Ramsey screen play. The play went for 76 yards and included jukes, stiff arms, speed, and power. It wasn't Pierre Thomas or Reggie Bush, nor was it P.J. Hill, Lynell Hamilton, or even recently signed, Ladell Betts. It was rookie running back, Chris Ivory, from Tiffin University, in Ohio (talk about digging for talent).

He began his college career at Washington State, but was limited due to injuries and finished with 534 yards on 91 carries in his three seasons. After being dismissed by Washington State he transferred to Tiffin University, where he played a total of five games before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He finished with 223 yards on 39 carries through five games.

Although he spent his college career hampered by injuries, someone on the Saints staff saw something promising in his abilities. After his run against the San Diego Chargers Friday night, those abilities were put on display for the world to see.

On that one play alone, he showed that he has the power and determination to run guys over, a great stiff-arm, and the speed to take it to the house. When given the chance to take the ball out of bounds and take the first down, he made a great cut back infield, where he then outran the defense to the end-zone. Standing in at an even 6' and weighing 222lbs, he also has prototypical size.

Given that Lynell Hamilton and P.J. Hill are out for the season, it leaves Chris Ivory with a great opportunity to take over the role left by the departure of Mike Bell. His only competition comes by the way of Ladell Betts, who played second string for the Washington Redskins over the last few years.

If you enjoy watching talented guys like Mike Bell, Pierre Thomas, or Marion Barber (who were once buried on the depth chart) emerge from the depth charts, then stay tuned for the next installment of the Chris Ivory show. I'm sure there is more to come and I'm sure it's going to be great. Either way, I think we just witnessed the play that found the replacement for Mike Bell.

Congratulations Mr. Chris Ivory.