🏈 Random Thought

[Duder]

This is the first time in a while that I haven't thought Bama's new starter was a better RB than the one leaving. Ingram > Coffee, (IMO) Richardson > Ingram.

I'm not at all saying Lacy isn't a good back. You guys still have a good OL and a stable of talented backs. Lacy just isn't the same kind of back.

End random thought.

 

[LBS]

This is the first time in a while that I haven't thought Bama's new starter was a better RB than the one leaving. Ingram > Coffee, (IMO) Richardson > Ingram.

I'm not at all saying Lacy isn't a good back. You guys still have a good OL and a stable of talented backs. Lacy just isn't the same kind of back.

End random thought.

I don't think this is random at all, but an honest observation that I agree with frankly. I find it interesting to note that the string of RBs that you named all made (will make) NFL rosters. Do I think Lacy has the potential to make an NFL roster, yes. Will he go in the first round not likely (IMO).

Here is an interesting question, Is Lacy better than Coffee?

 

[TerryP]

I don't think this is random at all, but an honest observation that I agree with frankly. I find it interesting to note that the string of RBs that you named all made (will make) NFL rosters. Do I think Lacy has the potential to make an NFL roster, yes. Will he go in the first round not likely (IMO).

Here is an interesting question, Is Lacy better than Coffee?

You can't make the comparison. They are two different backs. If you look at body size alone, Coffee had at least 3" in Lacy and at the same time gives up almost 25 lbs as well. But, you aren't looking at differences is speed.

If Coffee were on our roster today he would be our change of pace back. Note the word "IF."

Fact is, I have serious doubts that Coffee would have been recruited by Saban. He wasn't offered by Saban during his last year at LSU. Granted, they didn't have room signing less than 15 players in Miles first season. The backs they signed that season had one that fits the mold we have now—220lbs range—and another that was Coffee's size. But, both of those guys committed when Saban was there and committed right before they began their spring camp if I recall correctly.

 

[TerryP]

This is the first time in a while that I haven't thought Bama's new starter was a better RB than the one leaving. Ingram > Coffee, (IMO) Richardson > Ingram.

I'm not at all saying Lacy isn't a good back. You guys still have a good OL and a stable of talented backs. Lacy just isn't the same kind of back.

End random thought.

It's too early to tell how he'll end up.

That said, the only back I'd put above him right now—as in this stage of his career—would in Richardson. But again, it's two different kinds of backs.

FWIW, his numbers in his role last season were better than any of the backs you mentioned, including Trent. I doubt he'll get the accolades that Mark did, but I doubt we'll look back and say Mark was a better RB.

Ironically, I saw a thread like this over on one LSU forum the other day. There were a group of fans trying to say the same thing. Yet, there were a handful who were very familiar with Eddie telling the rest just how wrong they were.

We haven't had as talented a group of running backs together since Saban's been here.

 

[ElephantStomp]

I don't think Coffee would be on our roster. First, I don't think Saban would've recruited him and second, I think he would've transfered out had he been on the team now.

I think Lacy is going to do great. I see Lacy and Yeldon being Ingram and Richardson, obviously different kind of players, but you get the point

 

[TerryP]

I don't think Coffee would be on our roster. First, I don't think Saban would've recruited him and second, I think he would've transfered out had he been on the team now.

I think Lacy is going to do great. I see Lacy and Yeldon being Ingram and Richardson, obviously different kind of players, but you get the point

Yeldon, right now, is fourth on our depth chart. I wonder if he can push Fowler out of that role to be honest. He won't surpass Lacy and Hart—if both are 100% healthy.

The question in my mind is going to be who is getting the most carries when we hit the middle of the SEC slate: Hart or Lacy.

Then I wonder how many carries our #1 is going to get. Unless he's just having a break-out day, I doubt we'll see any get more than 20-22 carries a game.

 

[Duder]

I'm not comparing numbers, body types or anything else. I'm saying, I watched your backs play over the last several years and thought Ingram was better than Coffee and thought He was an upgrade moving into the next season, I then thought the same thing about Trent. I don't have the same feeling about Lacy.

Admittedly this is a very talented stable of backs. However, I have a different thought about your starter than I have in the past. To say preseason that Lacy doesn't appear to be better than the guy who is about to go in the top 10 isn't a slight on him. He won't garner Mark's accolades though neither did Trent and I'd still take Trent over Mark.

 

[Duder]

Coffee would NOT be on Bama's roster today. I was taken aback by how small he is. I'd never actually looked at his bio so didn't know height/weight. He seemed much larger on TV to me. He played bigger than he is. Obviously things have changed a bit since he hung up his cleats but seeing he and Upchurch side-by-side shocked me a bit.

 

[TerryP]

I'm not comparing numbers, body types or anything else. I'm saying, I watched your backs play over the last several years and thought Ingram was better than Coffee and thought He was an upgrade moving into the next season, I then thought the same thing about Trent. I don't have the same feeling about Lacy.

Admittedly this is a very talented stable of backs. However, I have a different thought about your starter than I have in the past. To say preseason that Lacy doesn't appear to be better than the guy who is about to go in the top 10 isn't a slight on him. He won't garner Mark's accolades though neither did Trent and I'd still take Trent over Mark.

I really don't disagree with what you are saying here.

You don't find a back like Trent every year, much less every four or five years. Right now, you see similar things being said in the NFL circles and the draft gets closer.

I don't think in the least that Lacy is better than Trent. I don't think he's on the same level as well. But, I tend to judge a back on what he produces.

Under those guidelines, I don't see our running game digressing in the 2012 season. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked in the least if we end up with similar numbers at the end of 2012, but spread around more players.

I'll say this. I do believe we'll have a better offensive line this year than last. It may end up being the best we've had under Saban.

 

[planomateo]

I think Lacy is better than folks give him credit.

Statistically, Lacy had better backup RB rushing stats than Trent. Was this due to comparing OL play in 2010 vs 2011? I remember a few folks on this board dogging the OL play early 2011.

Do you guys think our OL play 2010 vs 2011 was the difference here...

Lacy 2011
95 carries, 674 yds, 7.1 avg, longest run 67yds, 7 TD's
11 receptions, 131 yds, 11.9 avg, longest 48yds, 0 TDs.

Richardson 2010
112 carries, 700 yds, 6.3 avg, longest run 65yds, 6 TD's.
23 receptions, 266 yds, 11.6 avg, longest 85yds, 4TD's.

 

[TerryP]

I think Lacy is better than folks give him credit.

Statistically, Lacy had better backup RB rushing stats than Trent. Was this due to comparing OL play in 2010 vs 2011? I remember a few folks on this board dogging the OL play early 2011.

Do you guys think our OL play 2010 vs 2011 was the difference here...

Lacy 2011
95 carries, 674 yds, 7.1 avg, longest run 67yds, 7 TD's
11 receptions, 131 yds, 11.9 avg, longest 48yds, 0 TDs.

Richardson 2010
112 carries, 700 yds, 6.3 avg, longest run 65yds, 6 TD's.
23 receptions, 266 yds, 11.6 avg, longest 85yds, 4TD's.

I do think the OL comes into play as much as the injuries we dealt with in 2010 come into play. And, that's not taking in account the schedule Trent faced in 2010 as well.

 

[Duder]

OL will be much better this year. Fluker and Koundjiou (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) will be scary. With the whole back by committee thing, numbers will probably be better as a whole due to fresh legs and such.

 

[jdpas29]

Circle button!!!!

 

[gumboman]

Don't forget Dee Hart.

 

[UAgrad93]

Eddie may not be asked or needed to carry the load like Trent had to last year. Having a healthy Hart, Fowler, B. Sims, and Yeldon, will give Eddie a chance to hopefully stay healthy. Just looking at that, behind the OL expected to hit the field, WOW!!!! We get a couple of receivers to come along and this offense could be scary for any defense that steps on the field against us in the Fall!

 

[Duder]

Don't forget Dee Hart.

Will play but w/ an ACL he won't be the same back he was for quite a while. Physically he will be cleared but the atrophy of the VMO can be tricky to lick. You think 12-18 months from surgery for "full recovery", which simply means the bone plug has raked and you've passed the Cybex test. He'll get there but I'd be shocked if it happens this year. Remember how different Don'ta looked from 2010 to 2011. He'll play and will most likely contribute but realistically you're looking at the 2013 season before you see the guy you recruited.

 

[planomateo]

I agree with you Duder, look back at some of the guys who have had knee injuries, they've almost always been unsure of their knee, appearing slow their first season back.

 

[TerryP]

Will play but w/ an ACL he won't be the same back he was for quite a while. Physically he will be cleared but the atrophy of the VMO can be tricky to lick. You think 12-18 months from surgery for "full recovery", which simply means the bone plug has raked and you've passed the Cybex test. He'll get there but I'd be shocked if it happens this year. Remember how different Don'ta looked from 2010 to 2011. He'll play and will most likely contribute but realistically you're looking at the 2013 season before you see the guy you recruited.

FWIW, fall camp is right at 15 months after surgery. I understand the comparison to Don'ta because of the injury. But, two different time lines as well. One injury in early June, the other in late September.

He's been killing it in rehab and the weight room over the last few months. He's as much of a "physical specimen" as Trent when given the ole' eye test.

He has his reason to be ready for our opening game.

 

[Kirk Van de Graaff]

I don't think this is random at all, but an honest observation that I agree with frankly. I find it interesting to note that the string of RBs that you named all made (will make) NFL rosters. Do I think Lacy has the potential to make an NFL roster, yes. Will he go in the first round not likely (IMO).

Here is an interesting question, Is Lacy better than Coffee?

I would say there is no doubt Lacy is better. Yeah its apple to oranges, but Lacy can do what Coffee did, but Coffee was not as elusive as Lacy. Hell that wicked arse spin move alone makes him better. Coffee would not be a starter IMHO. I liked Coffee but he never made me feel good when he ran with it. I think Lacy breaks out this year or whatever you call it. OL is better, and I might say this is the best OL we have ever had as a whole, depth and all. (reserve judgement on best individual lineman, with the likes of Vaughn Mancha, John Hanna, Chris Samuels and Andre Smith were the top of their Game at Alabama when they played but that Barret Jones has a chance to be the best) If the offense can score in the red zone better this year and we establish our TE's (which won't be a problem) things will be down right scary for opposing teams.

I also like Coach Sabans approach to the upcoming season by telling them they are not the Championship team of last year, totally different team and they need to create their own Identity. Yeldon being forth on the depth chart is what I expected anyways, but I dont see that by mid season. If Dee is recovered he is something of a sleeper. Not sold on Fowler being a every down back, guess I haven't seen him enough to believe he will be.

Lacy will give people fits and as I have said he will break out this year. I like our situation with backs, and I expect we will never be without a couple of RB's that rank top in the SEC as long as Coach Saban is here. Sure is good to have these problems though. :untroubled:

I am interested in the Defense, can't wait to see what they can do with so many new starters in there.

Feeling pretty good about Alabama Football thats for sure.

 

[Jseakin]

Kind of funny/scary to think that the #13 overall player in the country (247sports) is likely going to be 4th in the rotation at best, especially at RB. Generally speaking RB is one of the few spots that someone can come in and have an immediate impact. What is even scarier is that he isn't 4th string because he is behind 3 seniors. Instead its 2 juniors and a red shirt freshman.