LaMichael James or Trent Richardson: Who's the Nation's Top Running Back?

Running back LaMichael James has had all the opportunities during his career and has clearly thrived, turning himself into one of the nation's best backs. Meanwhile, Trent Richardson has received less chances, but has been effective when called upon. But now that they are both starting, who will be better this year?

They are both early favorites in the 2011 Heisman race. While they are both good bets to win the award, it's time to settle the question of who's the better back.

Coming out of high school, Richardson was the much more sought out recruit. The 5-star recruit was seen as the second-best high-school running back in the nation, and as a result, was recruited by major programs like Alabama, Florida, Florida State, LSU and Auburn. Alabama eventually won the battle. 

Coming out of the great football state of Texas, LaMichael James was a 4-star recruit who was nowhere near the Top-100 recruits, let alone the Top 10 as Richardson was. Still, James was an electric, all-purpose back that was sought after by schools such as Arkansas, Nebraska and TCU before Oregon eventually won out.

After redshirting during 2008, LaMichael James, filling in for the suspend LaGarrette Blount, exploded onto the scene in 2009. James rushed for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns on an amazing 6.7 yards per carry. 

James did more of the same his sophomore year, rushing for 1,731 yards and 21 touchdowns in leading Oregon to the national championship game. 

Richardson's path at Alabama hasn't been so clear.

The 5'11" powerful back has had to play second fiddle to Heisman-winner Mark Ingram during his two years at Alabama. Despite that, Richardson has shown his potential to be great, as he has rushed for 700 and 751 yards during his years behind Ingram. 

When Ingram went down with an injury last year, Richardson rushed for an impressive 144 yards against Penn State. Look at this as a possible sign of things to come, as Ingram now plays in New Orleans for the Saints.

Still, who will be better this year?

First, take a look at the help each back will have.

James will arguably have the much better passing game keeping defenses honest. Junior Darron Thomas threw for more than 2,800 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, and should be one of the top quarterbacks in the Pac-12 this season.

Alabama, on the other hand, will send out sophomore A.J. McCarron, who has very little experience at the college level. You have to think that, at least early in the season, defenses will stack the box and key in on Richardson.

That shouldn't be such a bad thing though, as the Crimson Tide will put out probably the best offensive line in the SEC. William Vlachos and Barrett Jones are preseason SEC first-teamers, while Chance Warmack and D.J. Fluker come in on the second team.

Richardson should have no problem running behind this line, while Oregon's line, although good, won't create the same type of holes for James.

When it all comes down to it, James is going to be part of an explosive, spread-out offense. He will get his stats and be one of the best backs in the league. Richardson, however, will be the focal point of an offense that will center around the running game.

While both very well may top 1,700 yards, Trent Richardson is in the right situation to out-produce LaMichael James this season.