Me too...I was at LSU as a student when Dalton Hilliard and Gary James were freshmen. After seeing the spring game that year, I couldn't wait for the season to begin. James was the heralded recruit but Hilliard wowed everyone in the spring. Point is that I feel Ford is going to look great in the Spring and then wow all of us next year just like Hilliard and James did back then.
I dont have an ESPN Insider account, but the rumor board says that a freshmen could start for the LSU at RB. On another link, it mentions Ford as that freshmen.
Aside from Ridley that's all we have are freshmen and redshirt freshmen RBs that legitimately have a shot at starting. So that's not a stretch for someone to say that.
I have a feeling Murphy will start since he is a SR. Ive never really been impressed with him a runner. I think he is better as a scat back in open space. Id like to see Ridley or Ford as the starter. Possibly even Ware.
Yes, the "Dalton and James Gang" were a treat to watch. Both ended up in the NFL. We all know how Dalton's career turned out, wonder what happened to James. I believe at least began is career with the Lions.
Am also reading very positive stuff about Ford in spring. Can't forget though how different the Fall will be - Murphy tore up the Spring Game two years ago and then proceeded to disappear...(and not because of injury, which was why he was out last year). I think Miles will start Murphy as long as he's hungry and continues to practice hard. But Ford is going to get significant snaps, as will Ridley - and they'll have to fight it out, just like K. Williams and C. Scott. The Tigers are not going to have a RB shortage for a long time if things remain on track.
Don't worry about Ford maybe not starting. He'll be a huge factor next season whether he starts or not. Trent Richardson didn't start for Bama last year and I expect Ford to have the same impact as Richardson...even more because of Ford's having been redshirted.
Two stories heard from a buddy on the team re: Ford: 1. Called gut run, Ford takes the handoff and our line, predictably, opens no holes. Ford bounces outside. The whole time, Jai Eugene watches the play develop from the safety spot and goes to tackle him. Ford contorts his whole body one direction, then goes the other- and leaves Eugene dive-tackling air. Sprints for the TD. 2. Running on the outside, one guy trying to drag him down from behind. Another guy coming from defensive backfield to help bring him down. Ford spins out of the bear tackle of the first guy, jukes the second, and next- any guesses? Yup. Touchdown. Sounds like a beast. Players are excited, and if they're excited we DEFINITELY should be.
