Alabama Football: Injured RB Demetrius Hart Is Looking Like a Champ

5-star running back prospect Demetrius Hart tore his ACL on July 5, 2011.  On Oct. 19, he looked like new man on the practice field.

The Birmingham News captured some practice footage showcasing the running backs working on pass blocking.  Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, Jalston Fowler and Blake Sims were joined by one of the most exciting prospects to step onto the 'Bama campus in recent years—Demetrius Hart himself.  

Some folks call him "Dee," but I don't care for that.  He's Demetrius to me.  

During the short footage, Hart seemed to have no trouble lifting the sled dummies.  He was able to crouch low for the block, his knees bent just as they should be.  

He was in full pads, though he still continues to wear a black non-contact jersey.  This isn't likely to be a sign he's still tender, but as he won't be playing this season there isn't much of a reason for him to be giving/taking licks this early.  

Hart could not have picked a better time to get injured, so to speak.  Being hurt the summer before his freshman year will allow him to get a full, uninterrupted career of playing time, assuming he doesn't get injured again.  Being injured, say, halfway through his junior season would have been much more devastating, both to his career and the team.  

Alabama's depth at running back wasn't as dismal as some folks were starting to believe.  Though it is not a disservice to Hart, he has not been missed much.

Richardson, Lacy and Fowler are all very capable running backs and have performed just as they should, with do-it-all man Sims carrying the rock when needed.  

He was projected to contribute to the punt/kick return game, but Marquis Maze has been performing admirably, with the exception of those often un-returnable rugby-style punts.  

Hart has another big advantage when it comes to his injury.  We all remember how Dont'a Hightower took about a full season to get back up to speed.  Well, Hightower weighs nearly 260 lbs. Hart is listed—very generously—at 190 lbs.  

A lighter player will always have an easier time recovering from an injury to a football player's most important joint.  We will have to wait and see, however, just how he will recover his ability to cut and stop on a dime.  

Hart is almost 30 pounds lighter than Mark Ingram and looks to maintain his weight around 190.  He is a small back and relies on his speed and elusiveness.  His ability to cut is critical.  Sudden stops place a lot of stress on the knees, and cuts that often place the legs at awkward angles are much more taxing on the joint. 

It has been nearly four months since Hart's surgery, and although he may not be up to full speed, you can barely tell he was injured—the telltale black jersey aside.  

Hart is sure to be a dynamic weapon for the Tide as a scat-back type that hasn't been utilized much by Nick Saban.  In his high school days he displayed his prowess from the backfield or lined up as a receiver, and proved he could be a deep threat as well.  

Hopefully, he'll be back to 100 percent for the 2012 spring practice and eager to contribute in amazing ways next season.