The difference I've seen in MI from his freshman year to this has been astounding. Last year, you could see his potential and talent. But the improvement in his vision and balance has been incredible.
Is it just me, or has he even improved over the last month since the SECCG? I have always compared his running style to Emmitt Smith, but last night, I was watching him closely, and I swear I could see some Barry Sanders in him as well. There was one play (don't remember when in the game), when he cut through the line, gracefully changing directions about two or three times, and then somehow saw and hurdled JJ's arm near the ground, and went for a few more yards.
I've got to admit that though I've thought he was truly incredible most of the year, I still wasn't entirely sold on him being one of Bama's all-time greats. Even after the Heisman. I thought that he may have peeked and maximized his potential. I thought that TR might catch him next year and eat into MI's playing time. But watching him last night, I'm starting to wonder if we might have not just one of Alabama's all-time greats, but one of Football's all-time greats on our hands. As in some sort of Emmitt/Barry hybrid type great.
Do you think he'll continue to improve? Do you think he'll repeat the Heisman next year?
Bama only loses three starters on offense next year, and figures to be an offensive powerhouse. Michael Johnson will be tough to replace, but most of the rest of the line will be back and will have a year's worth of experience and chemistry. Though we lose some important defensive players, I don't think we'll get any worse. The young talent on the defensive side of the ball should be able to step up without missing a beat. Donta should be able to pick up where Rolo left off. The biggest shoes to fill (literally and figuratively) will be Cody's - you just can't replace a guy who plugs up the middle like he does. Still, we should open the season at #1, and I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say we could go wire to wire. Ingram should start the season as one of the front-runners.
Richardson's a great young talent, and may very well be the second Bama player to win a Heisman. But from watching Mark last night, I think TR may have to wait until his Junior year to see any "co-starter" type role, especially if MI hasn't yet peeked. And I'm starting to think he hasn't. Is there any reason to think that he won't perform at the same or higher level next year?
Will he have any significant competition around the country? All of this year's other finalists are moving on. Tebow, Gerhardt, McCoy, Suh. Even Bradford.
If we are in the title hunt again (and we should be), and MI continues to improve, do you think he'll be only the second player in history to win the Heisman twice?
Thoughts?
Is it just me, or has he even improved over the last month since the SECCG? I have always compared his running style to Emmitt Smith, but last night, I was watching him closely, and I swear I could see some Barry Sanders in him as well. There was one play (don't remember when in the game), when he cut through the line, gracefully changing directions about two or three times, and then somehow saw and hurdled JJ's arm near the ground, and went for a few more yards.
I've got to admit that though I've thought he was truly incredible most of the year, I still wasn't entirely sold on him being one of Bama's all-time greats. Even after the Heisman. I thought that he may have peeked and maximized his potential. I thought that TR might catch him next year and eat into MI's playing time. But watching him last night, I'm starting to wonder if we might have not just one of Alabama's all-time greats, but one of Football's all-time greats on our hands. As in some sort of Emmitt/Barry hybrid type great.
Do you think he'll continue to improve? Do you think he'll repeat the Heisman next year?
Bama only loses three starters on offense next year, and figures to be an offensive powerhouse. Michael Johnson will be tough to replace, but most of the rest of the line will be back and will have a year's worth of experience and chemistry. Though we lose some important defensive players, I don't think we'll get any worse. The young talent on the defensive side of the ball should be able to step up without missing a beat. Donta should be able to pick up where Rolo left off. The biggest shoes to fill (literally and figuratively) will be Cody's - you just can't replace a guy who plugs up the middle like he does. Still, we should open the season at #1, and I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say we could go wire to wire. Ingram should start the season as one of the front-runners.
Richardson's a great young talent, and may very well be the second Bama player to win a Heisman. But from watching Mark last night, I think TR may have to wait until his Junior year to see any "co-starter" type role, especially if MI hasn't yet peeked. And I'm starting to think he hasn't. Is there any reason to think that he won't perform at the same or higher level next year?
Will he have any significant competition around the country? All of this year's other finalists are moving on. Tebow, Gerhardt, McCoy, Suh. Even Bradford.
If we are in the title hunt again (and we should be), and MI continues to improve, do you think he'll be only the second player in history to win the Heisman twice?
Thoughts?
