Round Table tabs Darby as offensive MVP

BamaOnLine.com recently polled the members of its premium message board --the Round Table-- in an effort to identify the Alabama Crimson Tide's offensive, defensive and special teams most valuable players for the 2005 football season. The Round Table has spoken, and today we'll spotlight the player it tabbed as the Tide's top player on offense.

Junior halfback Kenneth Darby picked up BOL's offensive MVP honors after rushing for 1,161 yards and three touchdowns in 11 regular-season games. Darby hit the 100-yard mark six times in 2005. In addition to being the team's top rusher, Darby was the Tide's third-leading receiver, catching 26 passes for 122 yards.

In a landslide victory, the Huntsville native was the choice of 370 of the 463 members (80 percent) who took part in the poll. Quarterback Brodie Croyle was next with 49 votes, while wide receiver Tyrone Prothro, who missed the Tide's final six games due to a broken leg sustained in UA's win over Florida, finished third.

In completing 59 percent of his passes, Croyle threw for 2,224 yards and 13 touchdowns against just four interceptions. Prothro caught 17 passes for 325 yards (19 ypc) and three scores. Despite playing in less than half of Alabama's games this fall, Prothro's receiving yardage total ranks third on the squad.

Wide receiver DJ Hall, center JB Closner and fullback Le'Ron McClain also received votes.

The following is a sampling of comments made by Round Table members who participated in the poll:

UA_Tide: Anyone other than Prothro is wrong. He may not have played but a few games but he was the MVP.

bamaloon: I believe Darby is the best offensive player we have, but I voted for Croyle simply because our key plays in wins over Florida and Tennessee came off of his arm.

StepL: Ken's the MAN and the unsung leader of this team.

CharlieG: Ty Prothro. After (his injury) we haven't had an offense.

traditioniscrimson: Ken Darby no question, he brings it every game and IMO is the best back in the SEC.

CrimsonKat: Gotta go with Darby -- the only player on offense who you knew would show up every week this season. He was consistent from Game 1 to Game 11. If you need further proof, watch the second half of the Auburn game and Darby's effort in picking up first downs while the rest of the offense was hanging their heads and feeling sorry for themselves.

dusty01: WE must get the ball in (Le'Ron McClain's) hands more in the bowl game.

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