Alabama Football: Will Richardson Want to Play His Sr. Year for the Heisman?

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) Does everyone mentioned as a Heisman contender want to win it?

Yes of course.

But to some it is the all consuming factor in almost everything they do and for others, they use the old Hollywood actors line about not winning an Oscar, "It was an honor just to be nominated."

Many people are wondering about Trent Richardson this morning and what must be going through his mind as he packs up to go back to Tuscaloosa with head coach Nick Saban to prepare for his second BCS National Championship Game.

Will he want the award so bad he'd forgo the NFL as he hinted he would earlier this season to go for the Heisman again—and possibly a third trip to the National Championship Game?

Or will he be content that he did his best, played his heart out in the National Championship Game and be content with a second ring and being a first round NFL pick.

"I've always wanted to show my daughters how much I value an education," Richardson said. But then he's not very far from all the hours he needs right now to graduate and could easily do that in the NFL off season.

He has told me he wants to send the message to his daughters that an education comes first, but then using that education means knowing when when it's time to leave.

Trent Richardson and Emmitt Smith are still close as friends—they talk often and each knows the heart of the other. Smith was Trent's hero as a child and always wanted to be like him. The met and became fast friends ever since.

When it comes to the decision he makes, Richardson won't have to "let it slip," Smith already has.

This morning in a tweet I read where Smith told Richardson, "Congratulation Trent on being a top5 Finalist. Finish with the national title in hand and c u n the NFL. Love ya Homie."

I guess he already knows Richardson's decision and it's a wise one for Trent.

Leaving the Tide in the hands of Eddie Lacy, Dee Hart, Jalston Fowler and the others isn't exactly leaving Alabama in a lurch.

The Tide will roll on, just with new faces making the headlines.

As someone who has covered you from your decision to come until now, thank you Trent Richardson for everything you accomplished at Alabama, for being the man and leader you are and for being the class act you were for all your years here.

Let me follow Emmitt Smith and say, congratulations and see you in the NFL.