Ironically, redshirt freshman Joseph Addai and sophomore Shyrone Carey started the 2002 season in different, unfamiliar places. Addai and Carey, both tailbacks, played fullback and wide receiver, respectively, for the 2002 season opener at Virginia Tech.
However, after playing sparingly in their new positions before being returned to their natural ones, the two will probably be duking it out to have the inside edge for the starting tailback battle when spring practice begins in a few months.
This is all thanks to the departure of starting tailback LaBrandon Toefield, who is foregoing his final year of eligibility to enter the 2003 NFL Draft.
Despite an injury history that includes two torn knee ligaments and a broken arm, Toefield decided after the Cotton Bowl to make himself eligible.
After suffering a torn ACL just over one year ago in the 2001 Southeastern Conference Championship game against Tennessee and breaking his arm earlier this season against in-state rival University of Louisiana-Lafayette, the Independence, La., native is willing to enter the crap shoot.
Toefield rushed for just 475 yards and two touchdowns this season. He did, however, rush for 992 yards and 19 touchdowns during his sophomore season and was named First-Team All-SEC in 2001.
For his Tiger career, Toefield rushed for 2,149 yards and 26 touchdowns. Toefield ranks ninth in LSU school history in rushing yardage. He also ranks eighth in touchdowns and sixth in carries with 511.
Toefield said it was “time” to leave Baton Rouge and pursue a career on the world’s highest level.
“I just felt it was the right time,” Toefield said . “I have been through a lot with my injuries over the years. Right now I am healthy. I talked it over with my family, and they are behind me 100 percent.
Head coach Nick Saban often praised Toefield and spoke highly of the six-foot, 230-pound runner, due in large part to his hard running style and competitiveness.
Despite losing an All-SEC caliber player, Saban wishes Toefield the best.
“Toe was an outstanding member of this program for the three years that we coached him,” Saban said. “He’s a great team player, and he always did whatever was necessary to help this team be successful. We’re going to support him in every way that we can, and we certainly wish him the best of luck.”
The projections have him going late in the third round or waiting until the second day (rounds four through seven) of the draft.