Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) makes a long run for a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies in the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Alabama coach Nick Saban, who has coached for more than 43 years, recalled thinking Leonard Fournette was “absolutely one of the best running backs that we’ve ever seen” during the recruiting process.
“It’s no surprise to me that the guy has developed into one of the premier players in the country and arguably the best running back in the country,” Saban said. “His competitive character certainly shows on the field in terms of the way he plays and the way he competes. I have nothing but admiration and respect for the guy in terms of what he’s accomplished, what he’s done and the kind of player he is.”
Saban didn’t land Fournette, whom he believes to be as “dominant as any player in the country.” The New Orleans, La., native picked LSU and has become one of the biggest stars in all of college football this season.
The sophomore standout leads the nation in rushing yards (1,352), yards per game (193.14) and is second in the country with 15 touchdowns despite having one less game. (LSU had to cancel its opener because of weather.)
Fournette has rushed for at least 150 yards in every game this season.
No. 7 Alabama (7-1, 4-1 SEC) and its defense gets a shot at Fournette and No. 4 LSU (7-0, 4-0) on Saturday in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
“If you don’t wrap up, he’ll go all day on you,” Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland said of Fournette. “Guys have to run to the ball and wrap up on him. We’re going to see what type of guys we got, and what type of guys they got. It’s all about wrapping up when you get to him because a lot of guys don’t.”
While Saban wasn’t able to secure Fournette’s signature, he did bring in another five-star running back the previous year who’ll be the other star in Saturday’s contest.
Tide running back Derrick Henry has carried Alabama’s offense with 1,044 yards and 14 touchdowns.
“He’s a very good back. He’s big and strong,” LSU coach Les Miles told reporters Monday, according to a press conference transcript posted at the school’s official website. “He’s going to be somebody our defense is going to have to focus on and make sure that there’s some helmets around him.”
Fournette stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 230 pounds. Henry is a little bigger at 6 -3 and 242 pounds. Saban, who typically avoids comparing players, broke down each player’s game.
“Leonard is fast, quick, very competitive the way he runs the ball, plays with a lot of toughness,” Saban said. “Derrick is a taller, longer version of a lot of the same things, in terms of his competitive spirit. He’s hard to tackle and does a nice job of executing not only when he has the ball but when he has to block and do other things. Both guys are outstanding players in their own way.”
NOTES, QUOTES
PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Derrick Henry. Like it has been all season, Alabama’s offense goes behind the legs of Henry. If the Tide hopes to have a chance in this one, the junior tailback will need to deliver another big performance.
–LB Reggie Ragland. Ragland is sixth in the SEC with 71 tackles. He and Leonard Fournette should meet in the hole a few times.
–LB Reuben Foster. Foster delivered one of the biggest hits to Fournette in last year’s game. With Foster having a bigger role on defense, these two will definitely run into each other often on Saturday.
