Crimson Red Sports

(http://media.al.com/alphotos/photo/alabama-lsu-trent-richardson-runs-b8cf1f58665e8313.jpg)

There was a brief time when it appeared Richardson would follow in the path of Emmitt Smith, a friend and mentor, who preceded him at Escambia (Fla.) High School. Both remain legendary icons at Florida Panhandle high school.


Smith went on to Florida, and ultimately landed with the Dallas Cowboys where he pieced together an NFL Hall of Fame career.


Richardson came to Alabama where he helped the Tide to the 2009 national championship as a true freshman.


Some wonder if Richardson is piecing together a Heisman Trophy resume with one month of the season complete.


Some believe a lights-out performance against Florida's ferocious defense would stir his name into the conversation, and likely make Smith disappointed yet proud.


"It's like when Christmas comes, you know you're probably gonna get something a little more special," said Derrick Boyd, who helped coach Richardson at Escambia High in Pensacola and remains a close friend. "He knows what he's going to get - 90,000 fans that probably think you're a traitor. You left the state, and went to one of our rivals. But when we talk about it there's no question he made the right decision. ...Nothing could be finer than him going down to Gainesville to have the game of his life."


Richardson leads the Tide with 67 carries for 441 yards and eight touchdowns, career numbers in his junior season.