It's tough to compare them because they are all so different, and our backs have run behind some very dominant and, at times, some not so dominant O-lines.
Ingram was a tough runner, good vision, usually pretty decisive on cuts but also elusive. A successful pro career.
Trent was so strong he could force the issue at the college level, with breakaway speed. The next level highlighted a lack of vision.
Lacy, great lateral movement, big strong guy with good top end. Probably ran behind our most dominant line. Commitment as a pro outside the Bama bubble became evident.
Yeldon, such a good athlete with the strength to run run straight up and still excel. The downside was that balance was always an issue. It'd be nice if he could hang another year or two in the league, but I'm not sure.
Drake was so quick he seemed to jitter a bit too much looking for that big gainer. Injuries set him back a bit, he matured as a ball carrier late in his Bama time, and was a hero of a NC game. A good pro.
Damien Harris, love his hard one-cut and drive to get what was available. Staying helped him work on his top end speed. He seemed to get dinged in-game frequently, hopefully he'll be durable enough to have a good NFL career.
Henry, what a talent. He carried the team when we didn't fully have the QB/WR production we've recently enjoyed. Another three years at his current NFL production has him in a HOF discussion.
Jacobs - overshadowed by Henry, with a few nicks and dings early, you could always tell his motor was running. I'm so happy he's succeeding in the league. Probably the closest thing to Ingram in the group.
Najee. Incredible body control, has great lateral and quick-twitch for a big guy. I can't argue with his production, but sometimes he seems - to a layman like me - to jitterbug a little too much or pick the wrong hole. His running style is less fluid and more choppy than Henry's, so maybe that is affecting my view, but his top-end speed might be lacking a little. I'll be interested to see his 40 at combine. Great hands out of the backfield has helped us and will help his future team. Coming back helped him greatly, and four years got him the all-time rushing record. I shudder to think what Henry would've done in four years.
Robinson - Najee's return for his senior year kept Brian in the shadow, but other than a key drop or two, I saw a player that improved has improved his quickness while maintaining strength. I predict he makes an NFL roster, which would be a great recruiting coup. "If you don't start at Bama, we can still get you to the league." That already holds true with some WR.
I love all these guys, so please don't take my assessments as being negative toward them. They are all great backs, and I'm grateful for their contributions to the University.
I always wonder what Darby would've done behind a Saban O-line...
RTR,
Tim
