Competitiveness: Strong, quick, decisive runner that hits the hole quickly. Can run through you, and past you as well. A very powerful back that does not shy away from contact, and looks to stay in bounds and finish every run with authority. Always falls forward after contact. Is tough to bring down, and usually requires more than one defender to do so. Gets stronger as the quarters go on. Suffered a knee injury prior to the 2010 season, but didn’t let that keep him off the field.
Vision/Patience: Displays excellent vision behind a large and stout, run dominating offensive line. Does not just burst through the first hole that appears. Remains patient and waits for blocks to take place. This allows him to get to the second level quite often. Show great peripheral vision, and knows when to make the appropriate cut backs to turn a small run into a big one.
Agility/Acceleration: Has above average speed for a back of his size. Possesses a bruiser mentality, but when in open field, shows the ability to run away from defenders. Agility is also above average. Lateral quickness allows him to make instant cuts and can plant his cleat and stop on the dime.
Power/Balance: Shows great balance and body control. Runs well behind his pads. Stays low and maintains leverage prior to contact. Get’s stronger as the game goes on, and wears defenses down with his physicality.
Passing Game: Is a reliable option out the backfield. Caught 53 passes for 616 yards, and 4 touchdowns in his last two seasons. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but they do when you realize that Alabama’s offense is run oriented. Gets to his check down spots quick. Shows good patience on screen plays, effectively allowing his offensive lineman to get into position. Also is an explosive blocker in the backfield.
Intangibles: The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner and the first in Alabama history. Derrick Thomas award winner for community outreach. Shows great leadership. Is Alabama’s feature running back, but often splits carriers with Trent Richardson. Never complains about his work load and is a team first guy. Comes from good bloodlines. Father, Mark Ingram Sr. was an NFL star in the 1990’s. Mark Sr. is now in prison for money laundering and fraud. This hasn’t been a distraction to Ingram, but it has motivated him to do good on and off the field.
Overall Stock: Ingram will be the first running back off the board in a relatively weak running back class. Comes from a pro-style offense and has experience carrying the ball 20+ times a game. Teams will do their due diligence when it comes to his health. Hampered by a knee injury in 2010, his stock has dropped a little since his outstanding 2009 Heisman campaign. If all checks out, expect him to go in the middle of the 1st round.
NFL Comparisons: A bigger Ahmad Bradshaw and Emmitt Smith
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