2012 NFL Draft: Trent Richardson says he's playing another year for Alabama

When pressed last week about whether or not he'll enter the 2012 NFL Draft, Alabama running back Trent Richardson said he's returning for his senior season.

"I have got a whole ’nother year," Richardson told the media. "I’m not worried about anything else. I’m going to be here for a whole ’nother year. I’m just ready to stay here and play football."

It's a surprising stance given both the short shelf life of NFL running backs and considered so highly regarded. For many, he's the top draft-eligible running back in college football. He's big, strong and has better hands than most realize. Although running backs typically drop in the draft, Richardson is the rare player who could warrant a top 10 pick.

Richardson's opinion on returning could change, however. We've seen plenty of times where a player will say this time of year that they'll be back only to go pro. The most notable instance of this happening with running backs was a few years ago with Donald Brown of Connecticut (now the Indianapolis Colts). Throughout the season Brown was adamant on returning for his senior season but tearfully said following the team's bowl game that he was going pro. Richardson could do the same. Underclassmen have until the second week in January to enter the NFL Draft.

The absence of Richardson would weaken an average running back class. While David Wilson of Virginia Tech, Bernard Pierce of Temple and Chris Polk of Washington are good players, they're not in the same caliber as Richardson. One player who may be intrigued the most if Richardson stays is Miami redshirt sophomore Lamar Miller. If Richardson stays in school and Miller opts to go pro, the fleet-footed Hurricane would likely be the first running back drafted.

I'm not sure how this story, posted Saturday, slipped by me, but thanks to Cincy Jungle for pointing it out. So the question to you: Is Richardson being sincere and will return for another year at Alabama, or will he enter the draft?