TUSCALOOSA, Alabama --

Trent Richardson

's walk to class is sometimes reminiscent of the way he weaves through a defense.

Students recognize him, and their eyes focus on Alabama's star running back as he makes his way to another lecture.

Usually, there's no need for a stiff-arm or to brace for a tackle.

Before the fall semester began Wednesday, the Crimson Tide junior was asked if he could expect a flurry of classmates to hound him for autographs. His images recently have appeared on various preseason publications including the cover of Sports Illustrated.

It was his second time.

The 5-foot-11, 224-pound junior smiles when he considers the unique fanaticism of the people that cheer his explosive runs.

"Bama fans are Bama fans," Richardson said. "... I'll just go to class and raise my hand when I need to ask a question."

Richardson is more than ready to answer his preseason praise.

Hyped as everything from a preseason All-American to a Heisman Trophy candidate, Richardson is the leader of the running backs for plenty of reasons.

Last year, he rushed for 700 yards and six touchdowns despite missing two games with a knee injury. He had a career high 6.25 yards per carry -- fifth best all-time for a single season at Alabama. He carries a reputation for being one of the hardest workers on the team. So naturally, teammates look to him for guidance.

"He's always been a good leader, a hard worker and a guy that affects other people because of the kind of person that he is," Saban said. "Now that his circumstances have changed, and he can be the lead dog at running back, that doesn't really create a new person.

"He's always been a good player because of who he is."

As the "lead dog," Richardson approaches his role with genuine concern to help improve teammates, who will one day replace him. Richardson is facing an interesting challenge. Not only is he replacing 2009 Heisman Trophy winner

Mark Ingram

, but he also must bring along less experienced players. The loss of transfers of

Demetrius Goode

and

Corey Grant

suddenly left a deep backfield with less depth.

When asked, Richardson speaks encouragingly of the progress being made. He likes the versatility of

Blake Sims

and the improvements of true freshman

Brent Calloway

.

"Eddie Lacy is doing good," Richardson said. "

Jalston Fowler

looks like a beast out there. I can't wait to see what both them boys do this year."

This is the time of year when football players are eager to get onto the field to prepare for games, not simply for the sake of improving.

Preseason practice hangs onto players like quicksand. Classes provide an added challenge, and the hysteria leading up to opening kickoff continues to build.

Richardson's experience in forging on should provide perspective and focus on the task at hand, preparing for the season, which begins Sept. 3 against Kent State.

"It will be very exciting to see him start being that main back and get most of the carries," tight end Michael Williams said. "I don't think he'll disappoint at all."