Football is a fast paced, high intensity sport — but Stevan Ridley sees it differently.  “It’s really a game of patience,” LSU’s sophomore running back said. “You have to stay patient, and when the opportunity presents itself, you got to be ready to roll.” Patience is a word that describes Ridley’s career in Baton Rouge. He’s had to wait for his chance to shine, but now he finally has the opportunity and is hoping to make the most of it. “He’s waiting his turn,” said senior offensive lineman Ciron Black. “Once he gets the ball, he’s just going to do what he supposed to.” Ridley redshirted his first season at LSU in 2007.In his redshirt freshman season in 2008, he was on the scout team until one day at practice when he lined up with the punt return team. “He ended up getting through and blocking a kick,” senior defensive back Daniel Graff recalled. “So we put him on the real punt return team with us, and it was good to have him.”Ridley rewarded his coaches with 15 tackles on special teams that season. He also saw the field at running back, although most of his carries came with the outcome of games well in hand. The following spring, Ridley tore his ACL and had to wait again.”He’s really had to battle back from that ACL tear,” said senior offensive lineman Lyle Hitt. “It shows a lot of character on his part to come back like he has done. It shows what kind of competitor he is and what kind of man he is.”Ridley was ready for the start of the season but last season’s leading rusher, Charles Scott, opted to return for his final season, and Ridley knew he would have to wait again.”We’ve just got so many backs who are capable of playing,” Black said.   Ridley once again spent a lot of time on special teams this season, where Graff says he’s made a big impact.”He gets double teamed a lot,” Graff said. “So if he can’t make a tackle, we know he’s letting someone else go free by taking on two blocks.”Injuries this season have thinned the depth chart at running back and Ridley’s number was called against Tulane.  “When they threw me in there against Tulane, I just went in there and played ball,” Ridley said. “I took advantage of the opportunity.”Ridley got his first touchdown of the season in that game against the team he rushed for his first career touchdown in 2008.Ridley was called again when Scott went down with a collarbone fracture against Alabama. Ridley came in the game and scored from eight yards out on his first carry. Scott is out for the rest of the regular season, and with his injury, comes an opportunity for Ridley.”It’s kind of a sick feeling,” Ridley said. “We hate that because Charles decided to come back.”Ridley and teammate senior running back Keiland Williams became the offense’s top running backs. “I know I’m in the game plan from here on out,” Ridley said. “Me and Keiland have to fill that load that Charles was carrying. Now I just have to keep my head and stay focused, stay humble and stay hungry also.”- – – -Contact Amos Morale at [email protected]