Boy, did I miss it on this guy.
Of all the backs we've had during the Dynasty - Ingram, Trent, Lacy, Yeldon, Henry, and now Bo (too early to know).....I thought Trent was individually the most talented of the bunch, the most natural athlete, and the one that was going to go to the NFL and - with the right team - be the next Shaun Alexander or a cut below Emmitt Smith. I really did.
I thought Ingram (who I adore) was a tad bit overrated and won the Heisman more because we were unbeaten, he had the Heisman moment everyone saw, and Alabama had never won one. In all honesty, Toby Gearhardt probably should have won it that year. It was - to my mind - the case of "skill position player who plays for national championship contender on big name team" rather than "best stats" or "best player." And no hate mail because I adore this guy and love his spunk and effort. But I thought Trent was a MUCH better runner than Mark.
I thought Lacy was going to basically do what Trent did and on weight-related issues. He has had some, but he's still there. I think Yeldon is too small and Drake is probably fragile for the NFL game.
I think Henry - if given a chance - could be the best, but I also thought his Heisman which was indisputable in my book was also the product of circumstance. Trent was hurt in his Heisman campaign because Lacy himself rushed for 600 yards. Drake's injury put more pressure on Henry, and the guy responded like a champ.
But it just makes me sick. You look at that body on Trent and what looked like such awesome vision in college.....and it seems a waste.
Remember - he didn't run behind the 2012 O-line with that extra year of experience like Lacy/Yeldon did.
I could swear I read somewhere that one of Trent's problems was that at Alabama it was an imposed discipline in the program - you be here at this time, you be there then, etc.....but you don't have that in the NFL. YOU work out on your own, etc.
I think he's done as a pro, and it's such a waste of talent. And I hope this is more a product of misunderstanding, but I suspect I'm hoping in vain.