Duane Rankin

USA TODAY Sports

It's not surprising to hear new Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin talking about the talent in the Crimson Tide's backfield.

Juniors T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake and sophomore Derrick Henry are three of the best running backs you'll see in college football this year, but Kiffin took it another level at an event in Mobile by saying, "There probably aren't three more talented tailbacks in the NFL on a roster" than Alabama's trio.

Kiffin can't be serious, can he?

First, though they'll all likely reach the NFL, Yeldon, Henry and Drake still have things to develop. Yeldon could be a better receiver, Henry could be shiftier and Drake and Yeldon have had problems putting the ball on the turf.

Are they all talented? Definitely, but could they really stack up with LeSean McCoy, Darren Sproles and Chris Polk in Philadelphia or Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James of San Francisco?

Don't mistake a lack of production from an NFL player as a lack of talent. It's likely the guy in front of him is pretty good. Kiffin has faith in his tailbacks, and he better, because if Florida State transfer Jacob Coker doesn't pan out at quarterback, the Crimson Tide are going to ride or die with Yeldon, Henry and Drake.

Kiffin might just be a little delusional about good they are.

Rankin writes for The Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser



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