Most running back units don’t get better after losing a 1,000-yard rusher in former LSU standout Stevan Ridley.
Don’t tell that to a trio of talented sophomores — Spencer Ware, Alfred Blue and Michael Ford — as they hope to make LSU fans forget about the departed Ridley and his bruising running style that often carried an erratic Tiger offense in 2010.
Ware, widely touted throughout fall camp as the likely feature back, said he doesn’t believe any production drop off is imminent in Ridley’s absence.
“Honestly, I really don’t think it’s gonna be that tough [to replace Ridley] because our unit was strong last year, and Stevan was the only one that left,” Ware said. “We practiced with him every day, and we can do the things that he does. He just had the opportunity to display it there on the field. When the season rolls around, you’ll see us doing what he did, if not middle.”
Blue was the original challenger to Ridley’s stranglehold on the feature back spot early in 2010. He started the third game of the season against Mississippi State and scored a touchdown against Vanderbilt before an ankle injury sustained in an early October game at Florida limited his effectiveness through the final six games.
At a stout 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Blue said he likes to play between the tackles because of the advantage his sturdy frame provides.
“My game is just more suited for running inside,” Blue said. “I’m a very physical guy. I like the contact, and I run hard