Trent Richardson flashes speed, power at Alabama pro day

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Trent Richardson swept the Cleveland Browns off their feet -- or at least one notable member of the franchise.

The former Crimson Tide tailback probably left a lasting impression on Browns running backs coach Gary Brown Thursday during Round 2 of Alabama's pro day.

Richardson bowled over Brown -- a still-sturdy eight-year NFL veteran runner -- in a blocking drill. So a potential suitor -- the Browns have the fourth pick in April and need a running back -- at least knows Richardson packs a wallop.

"Any time someone's in my way, I'm going to try to knock them over," Richardson said. "Either they're going to hit me or I'm going to hit them. So nine times out of 10 I'm trying to throw the lick."

Brown was among the large assembly of NFL scouts, coaches and general managers who attended the workouts.

A possible top five draft pick, the physical 227-pound Richardson ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.45-4.49 range, according to NFL.com. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 25 times.

Video of his hit on Brown quickly made the Internet rounds.

More importantly, Browns coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert were on hand for pro day, too. Richardson said he's scheduled to visit Cleveland, St. Louis and Tampa among others.

"Whoever wants me to come," he said, "I can't wait."

Richardson was perhaps the main attraction. The Doak Walker Award winner and Heisman Trophy finalist had minor knee surgery before the combine.

Among running backs, only Southern Illinois' Jewel Hampton (26 repetitions) and Boise State's Doug Martin (28) did better on the bench press at the combine. Only Miami's Lamar Miller (4.40) ran faster than his range.

"I think he's probably the best running back in the draft this year," Tide coach Nick Saban said. "Probably one of the best players in the draft. I think that's based on his performance and his production and his consistency he's played with. The personal characteristics he has in terms of psychological disposition to be successful, which is really A-plus.

"I know there are some people that have some concerns about taking a running back high but with the salary cap changes in the rookie pool, you're not investing as much in a guy as you used to."

Only one running back -- Buffalo's C.J. Spiller (No. 9) -- has been a top 10 pick in the past three years. Richardson's former teammate Mark Ingram was the only back in the first round last year, going 28th to the New Orleans Saints.

"That motivates me a lot," Richardson said. "I want to set the bar high and put us back on the map and show them that we're very, very rare and that we need to be in the top five, top 10. We need to be up there high. A lot of teams try to beat up on us a lot of times.