Trent Richardson's electric performance against Texas in the 2010 national championship game definitely turned some heads in the national media. The young horse of the punishing Alabama backfield is even getting talk as possible Heisman candidate for 2011. So therefore, it is not surprising that he is drawing comparisons to one of the most famous alumni at his former high school, Pensacola Escambia of Pensacola Florida, none other than Emmitt Smith.

Just like Richardson, Emmitt Smith career had somewhat of a slow start in his freshman year, but picked up steam as the year went on. It was actually that freshman year that he earned his first collegiate start in the 1987 SEC opener against Alabama in Birmingham. Unfortunately, Smith burned the Crimson Tide for 224 yards and 2 TDs in a win over Alabama. He later went on to bigger and better things and eventually became perennial All-Pro and Hall of Fame member of the NFL.

While there is much to be seen from Richardson before he can be honestly compared to Smith, the tools are there that make him a threat on any part of the field. At any other college in America, TR would be the starting running back and would have gotten a lot more carries. However, he did the smart thing by going to Alabama and saving his body by being a 1-2 punch that keeps his legs fresh way into the 4th quarter.

The running style is very similar, very elusive with strong upper body strength. It was on display with the stiff arms and upper body knockdowns of defenders such as the Arkansas sideline TD run that broke that game wide open. Not only that, he has speed to kill a defense. Texas got a big taste of that hole splitting speed when TR ripped the #1 ranked defense in the nation (according to stats) for a 49 yard run that was pretty much untouched.

He has the work ethic, the grit, the speed, the toughness, and he is even developing his pass catching skills as evidenced in the over-the-shoulder circus catch on the sideline of the 2010 Spring A-day game. While Mark Ingram truly showed why he is the #1 running back on the team, there isn't much of a drop off at all when TR touches the ball.

I am looking forward to seeing Trent as a sophomore phenom make defenses pay once again as Alabama marches toward trying to nail down its 14th national championship.

All I can say is that Trent Richardson is no ordinary running back, and it won't be too long until the comparisons to one of the top running backs in history will be inevitable if he continues to improve.   In fact, Sports illustrated just named TR as one of the breakout players of the year.  Check it out

Here are some videos highlights of his awesome freshman year:

Here are some Emmitt Smith highlights:

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