Alabama Football: Is Trent Richardson Poised to Make His Own Heisman Run?

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) Trent Richardson was not there when Mark Ingram tearfully accepted his Heisman Trophy, but watched the ceremony on television. Trent Richardson had tears of his own and that famous big smile I've grown so accustomed to seeing when I interview him.

They were tears of joy and happiness.

Mark and Trent are close, closer than just team mates and good friends, close like brothers. Each have told me so in various interviews.

According to Ingram, he didn't win the trophy by himself or for himself, but for the team that supported him and made it possible.

The person who helped make it possible the most, may have been Richardson.

"Trent and I don't compete against each other for a job." Ingram told me. "We each have our opportunities, but we do work hard to be as good as the other, so when we're taking a breather, we know the team won't suffer. We help one another, we compliment one another." he concluded.

Ingram may have won the Heisman, but many people secretly and openly wondered if he was even the best running back on Alabama's team.

That was quite a compliment for Richardson.

Now it Trent's turn for the lion's share of the runs and the starring role and he's ready. I know so because I asked him after the Capital One Bowl Game and with that big toothy smile said, "Oh, I'm ready!"

With a great offensive line in place, perhaps one better than took the field last year strength and experience wise, the only question is, will Eddie Lacy be up to the task of being that same running mate than can take the team on his shoulders like Richardson did when Ingram was taking a rest?

From what we've seen of Lacy, I think the answer to that is a definite yes. There's lots of depth behind Lacy that can help if need be and it is great quality help.

Though Richardson will be mentioned as an early favorite to watch for the award, that's not what's on Richardson's mind as a priority.

"I'm just going to focus on winning games and getting better each week and helping the team," said Richardson of the Heisman talk. "Whatever else happens will just happen."

Yes, close like brothers indeed. Those are almost the same words spoken by Ingram years ago when I asked him about the Heisman hype. These two are cut from the same cloth and I wouldn't be surprised if both end up with a Heisman on the mantle.