It was thought that, given the situation in the backfield at Alabama and all that he’s accomplished thus far, Mark Ingram could very well leave Alabama early for a shot at the NFL.
Somewhat unbelievably, the semi-official confirmation that Ingram is leaving the Tide comes from none other than the son of a collegiate and NFL legend.
Speaking to the fine folks at OKBlitz.com, Barry Sanders Jr. -- yes, that Barry Sanders -- said that he spoke to Alabama head coach Nick Saban earlier Wednesday. Saban, the heavily-recruited high school running back said, told him that Ingram is indeed leaving the Tide for early entry into the NFL draft.
“He just said ‘We need running backs,’” the junior said. “How Trent [Richardson] would be a senior if I were to go [to Alabama]. He told me Ingram’s leaving, he’s making it public probably Friday.”
Just a coupla things here. First of all, we think that announcement may be pushed up a tad bit based on Sanders going all college football insider on the decision. Secondly, we get the feeling that the control freak that is Nick Saban will be none too pleased that a recruit spilled the beans on one of his current players. Of course, he’ll then pop in a DVD of Sanders on the football field and all will be fine.
If this is indeed the end for Ingram, it’s the conclusion of a brief but mostly spectacular time in Tuscaloosa. Ingram won the 2009 Heisman Trophy as a part of the Tide’s magical run to the national title, but his 2010 season -- at least the beginning -- was marred by a knee injury that required surgery. Ingram would finish his three years at ‘Bama with nearly 3,300 yards rushing and 46 total touchdowns -- 42 of them coming on the ground.
Of course, this is all assuming Sanders heard Saban correctly. If he didn’t? God help the son of a legend is all I’ll say...