Over the years, Alabama running backs haven’t matched their productivity in the NFL compared to their time with the Crimson Tide. Jacksonville Jaguars running back T.J. Yeldon looks to be the exception in 2016.
Over the last few years, you can say Alabama running backs haven’t done a particularly great job in the NFL.
This is just based on their productivity while in Tuscaloosa. Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy in 2009, and ran for 3,261 yards in three seasons for the Crimson Tide. Ingram wound up getting drafted in the first round in 2011 (28th overall) by the New Orleans Saints.
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In 2012, Trent Richardson was regarded as the best running back to come out since Adrian Peterson. Richardson went third overall to the Cleveland Browns after rushing for 3,243 yards for Nick Saban’s ball club.
Eddie Lacy rushed for nearly 2,500 yards between his freshman and junior season, which helped catapult him as a second-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2013 NFL Draft.
In five years with the Saints though, Ingram still hasn’t eclipsed his yards total while at Alabama. Richardson has been a monumental bust, and already on his fourth team since 2013. Lacy has proven he can be effective, rushing for over 1,000 yards his first two seasons, but rushed for only 758 yards in 2015. Lacy was also overweight and out of shape most of the 2015 season.
So why are Alabama running backs not succeeding in the NFL as much as they did in college? Is it the workload they get? Or was their offensive line too good and far superior to their opponents?
T.J. Yeldon, one of the more recent Alabama running backs to come out will try to alter this.
Over the course of their franchise history, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been blessed at the running back position. From James Stewart and Natrone Means, to the greats such as Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, the running back position has been something the Jags haven’t had to worry about. Yeldon hopes he can etch his name among the franchise greats.
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In his years with Alabama (2013-15), Yeldon ran for 3,322 yards and 37 touchdowns. As a second round pick in 2015, Yeldon looked to be on pace to finish with a 1,000-yard season. However, injuries caught up to him down the stretch and he missed the final three games. Yeldon concluded his inaugural campaign with 182 carries for 720 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 36 passes for 279 yards and a score.
However, Yeldon exceeded expectations as a rookie. A few of his weaknesses coming out were his ability in pass protection, as well as holding on to the football. Yeldon was solid in pass protection all year, and didn’t fumble the football at all in his 218 touches.
NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks praised Yeldon on Jaguars.com LIVE, saying Yeldon “had ability to be elite.” General manager Dave Caldwell agreed, courtesy of Jaguars.com beat writer John Oesher:
"“We put a lot on him and I thought he handled it really well,” head coach Gus Bradley said. “We anticipated him being a first- and second-down back. We didn’t know about him as far as a third-down back, but he really picked up our protection scheme. There were some errors that were made but for the most part he was very clean in all the protections.“I think you can continue to see him grow. We’d like to spread it out a little bit more just to keep the guys fresh, but very pleased with his progress.”"
The Jaguars should improve the offensive line in 2016 with the possible signings of Alex Mack at center, or Kelechi Osemele. Guard A.J. Cann, left tackle Luke Joeckel will also be another year older. In addition, the team’s best offensive lineman, Brandon Linder, will return to the lineup healthy.
Yeldon should hit the 1,000 yard mark relatively easy this season provided he remains healthy. Expect big things for the second year Alabama Crimson Tide product in 2016. My prediction is 1,200 yards and close to 10 touchdowns on the ground.
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“We feel really good about where he’s at,” said Caldwell to Oesher regarding the young running back. “The sky’s the limit for him coming up.”
The sky is one thing. But a big year by Yeldon and a playoff appearance by this franchise for the first time since 2007 would be a nice launching point.