WithAlabamadrawingtheRivals.comNo.1-rankedsigningclassinthenationlastFebruary,anticipationrunshighamongfanswaitingtoseehowanespeciallygiftedgroupofnewcomersmeldswithagroupofveteranswithsomeobviousdepthconcerns.BamaOnLine.compresentsadailycountdownof10signees-publishedinascendingorder-whocouldhavethemostimpactonthe2009season.ThelistingisinfluencedbytheCrimsonTide'sdepthatthepositionsthesigneesareexpectedtoplay,notjusttheirprepcredentials.Note:Becausetheyhadnotyetqualifiedatthetimethisserieslaunched,signeesEddieLacyandDarringtonSentimorewerenotconsidered.

Position:Runningback.

Size:5-11,210pounds.

Highschool:Pensacola(Fla)Escambia.

The film room: Richardson's running style is North-South, which is a good sign for any back making the jump to the college game. Too many young rushers think they can bounce outside for all their big plays, and learn quickly that it isn't nearly as easy in college to do so. Richardson will never have that problem, because he is looking to get upfield with almost every step. His combination of speed and strength is beyond impressive, and it's easy to see why hopes are high that he can contribute early and often at UA. Think Mark IngramClick Here to view this Link. on Red Bull.

The money clip: Richardson breaks multiple tackles on a run up the middle for a touchdown - see this play at the 0:25 mark.

Other Rivals.com video: Click here for all four of Richardson's Rivals.com highlight reels.

Who is in front of him: Mark Ingram and a presumably healthy Roy Upchurch represent the top of the heap to a lengthy list of scholarship players at this position.

Climbing the depth chart: Based on last season, it's pretty clear that there is room for three running backs in this offense when it comes to getting meaningful carries. That means Richardson would have to pass four scholarship backs on the depth chart just to land the No.3 role behind Ingram and Upchurch. If any incoming freshman can blow by four returning players in a three-week camp, it's a five-star back like this one. Even Nick Saban scoffed in the spring at the suggestion that UA had a lot of depth at the position, noting that most had no real experience. Still, you can bet all the backs are keenly aware that fourth-string status probably just means mop-up duty. Nobody wants to be there, and Richardson can expect a spirited battle for one of the first three seats at the table.

What will make it tough: Much like Julio Jones a year ago, Richardson enters as a victim of the hype machine. Somehow, Jones managed to meet expectations last year, however unreasonable they may have been for an incoming freshman. Excitement about Richardson's freshman year has reached a similar pitch - though the competition he faces at running back is significantly stronger than the cast of competitors Jones had to pass on his way to No.1-receiver status. Ingram is well-established after a solid freshman year, and Upchurch may have only scratched the surface of his potential last year, so Richardson has his work cut out for him if he is to receive a significant number of carries this fall. � With three new offensive linemen blocking one of the nation's top defenses in camp, the holes Richardson has to run through won't be easy to squeeze through - but that's a problem every back on the team will face. � Lastly, how well Richardson can play without the ball (picking up blitzes, running pass routes, etc.) will be an important part of his early evaluation.

Shane Youngblood's take: "Richardson played his high school ball at Escambia in Pensacola along with another famous football player in Emmitt Smith. It is easy to make the comparison, but in actuality, Richardson is a more physically gifted athlete at the same stage. Whether he has a Hall of Fame NFL career will depend on work ethic, intangibles and a little bit of luck.

"Running backs aren't supposed to bench-press over 400 pounds right out of high school, but Richardson's exploits in the weight room and his training habits are astonishing. Add to his physical package legitimate breakaway speed, terrific vision and explosiveness and you have yourself the ideal SEC back. And after having numerous conversations with Richardson during his recruitment, it doesn't hurt that he is a likable, outstanding young man on top of his athletic ability."

Miss a previously published installment of BOL's Impact Signee Series?

Link to any of them below:

#1 - Trent Richardson