Alabama's Trent Richardson for Heisman: 2011 Highlight Video

Even though this was his first year as Alabama’s full-time starting running back, Trent Richardson already had plenty of hype and fanfare surrounding him before the 2011 season even started. 

Many felt that Richardson had been the best player in the Tide’s backfield since the day he first arrived in Tuscaloosa.

Yes, even better than former Heisman-winning teammate Mark Ingram. But the talented former 5-star recruit never once complained about having to wait two years to get his starting shot, and once he did, Richardson certainly embraced the opportunity and made the most of it.

After racking up over 700 yards on the ground in each of his first two seasons, this year, Richardson grabbed the relinquished rushing reins from the departed Ingram and became the catalyst for Alabama’s offensive success.

The 5’11’’, 225-pound junior has bulldozed his way trough opposing defenses all season long, racking up 1,910 total yards of offense and 23 touchdowns.

Richardson has truly looked like a man amongst boys at times, and you won’t be able to find a running back out there who can match his amazing combination of power, speed, strength, balance and agility.

The future top-10 NFL draft pick has not only wowed NFL scouts this year, he’s also managed to carry Alabama to the BCS national championship game, where the Tide will have a shot at redemption against LSU on Jan. 9 down in New Orleans. 

Without Richardson in the lineup, there’s no way that Alabama would be playing for a national title this year, and he’s truly proven that he’s one of the most valuable players in the entire country.

That’s why you’ll find the star rusher sitting in New York City on Saturday night, as one of the five finalists for the prestigious Heisman Trophy.

This season, Richardson has done everything you could possibly ask a Heisman candidate to do—pile up huge stats, perform well in big games, rack up wins and come up with a few dazzling highlight-reel wins along the way.

As evidenced in this highlight video, which shows some of his best runs of the season, Richardson’s certainly stated a strong case to win the 2011 award. Now we just have to wait and see if the Heisman voters will give him the appreciation he deserves.