Alabama Football: Ranking the Top 5 Running Backs in Nick Saban’s Era
5: Eddie Lacy
Eddie Lacy was a hoss during his short time at Alabama. He makes this list because he’s a magician. When you look at him he doesn’t look like a fast guy, but his speed can fool a lot of people.
He came to Tuscaloosa during the Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram era so he ended up redshirting his freshman season.
Most of his time at Alabama he shared carries with one or two other backs. Almost the entire time he was at Alabama, Lacy had to compete and earn his spot.
In 2010, Alabama had Richardson, Ingram, and Lacy in its backfield. Now that is what I call a three-headed monster. Even sharing the load with those two, Lacy recorded 406 yards, six touchdowns and averaged 7.3 yards a carry.
Alabama fans and college football fans got a glimmer of what the future of Alabama running backs would be after that season.
Then it was him and Richardson in 2011 competing for carries. Lacy began showing a lot of dominance on the field and how dynamic he is on the field.
However, when you share carries with a player like Richardson, when Lacy got on the field he tried to prove himself and make big plays.
Lacy had it made during his time at Alabama. He got to learn from two of best to ever come through the game and once his time came to shine his junior season, boy did Lacy shine.
He recorded 1,322 yards, 22 touchdowns and averaged 6.5 yards a carry.
His performance against Georgia in the SEC Championship then the BCS Title game against Notre Dame were the most impressive during his junior year.
He ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia and then 140 yards and two scores against the Irish. The performance against Notre Dame led to an MVP Award.
Lacy is a dynamic running back. He had the ideal size and he ran with a purpose. However, what made him so special was his signature spin move. Defenders couldn’t get him down with arm tackles.
His ability to make guys miss was what made him special and ultimately get on this list.