Alabama Football: Is Eddie Lacy the Next Crimson Tide Heisman Trophy Winner?

As soon as the 2010 season came to completion, the Trent Richardson Heisman hype train was rolling full steam. Although Richardson had never rushed for more than 750 yards in a season, he was a favorite upon several media publications. Three games into the season, Richardson has not looked the part of a legitimate Heisman candidate. This has been partially because of the lack of blocking of his offensive line and partially because he is not hitting the holes as fast as he has in the past.

Despite the struggles of Richardson, a new running back has emerged in the Tide backfield and is beginning to steal much of Richardson's spotlight.  In my opinion, Alabama has a legit Heisman candidate in the backfield, but it will not be this season, and it will not be Trent Richardson.

Eddie Lacy has only rushed for nine less yards than Richardson this season. However, Richardson has had almost double the carries.

Critics would argue that Richardson looked equally as talented as the backup for Mark Ingram. Those critics, however, would be wrong. Richardson only rushed for 700 yards last season, despite starting two games. Lacy, on the other hand, is on pace for over 1200 yards.

Lacy has the power of Mark Ingram and the ability to accelerate through a hole like Richardson. But he has something neither of those running backs have. Lacy has perhaps the best spin move in all of college football. Lacy can run through one defender like a freight train, put a spin move on the next defender and outrun the other nine to the end zone.

Last season, as a red-shirt freshman, we had seen flashes of his potential against weaker opponents early in the season. However, in the Capital One bowl against Michigan State, we got our first real glance at Lacy. Lacy had five carries for 86-yards and two touchdowns.

Lacy has played limited minutes in his 10 career games. He has rushed for 710 yards and averaged 8.5 yards per carry. He has also had nine touchdowns in 10 games. Moreover, there have been times that he has led the Tide within the 10-yard line and another running back got the touchdown.

Lacy also has the competitive drive needed to be great. At a school like Alabama, that has recruited so many highly ranked running back prospect; lesser backs would have transferred. Not Lacy—he just worked harder. Lacy had fumble issues early in his career. Lesser backs would have allowed those issues to cause them to doubt their own talent. Not Lacy—he just got better.

Lacy has the build of a linebacker, the speed of an elite back, the moves of a video game and a future as bright as any player on the Tide roster.