I've been wondering this since 03, and i've yet to see a dedicated thread to it. Can anyone offer an explanation about why Vincent changed from the 2003 NCG MVP to a mediocre running back, at best? It frustrates the hell out of me. Is it that our offensive line was just that damned good in 03? Was it Mauck? I mean, the guy looked like Reggie Bush his first season. I don't understand!:sob:
JV may have had some good runs behind a great O-line, but he NEVER looked like Reggie Bush. I think it's a matter of our O-line. JV is a good back, but not if the O-line doesn't open that initial hole for him. He doesn't have the speed to cut it to the outside.
Partying too much isn't helping. It's probably a combination of playing with fear of injury and quality of O-Line play.
It is a bunch of things. O line that was great while AB had some trouble holding the ball. JV was also a bit ahead of AB at the time. Remember JV is not a speedster like R Bush. He got caught from behind several times. Then AB steps up and earns #1 spot and JV proves he can't run unless the whole is open for a very long time while he tries to pick a spot. Now there are no holes to run through against quality opponents and JV has no power to make a whole. That's my thoughts
Cause after his freshman year, he got not only a FAT head, but he also got a FAT A$$ as well. I remember the first game his soph year, he fumbled a couple of times and got in Saban's doghouse. Then AB took over, and JV hasn't done anything to get it back.
People who say Vincent isn't dedicated to the team do not know what they are talking about. The guy is one of the hardest workers on the team and anyone on the team will say as much. He also is a headhunter on special teams. I think the decline in his play is mainly due to a decline in O-line play, and a fear of injury. He never had great field vision or speed.
Actually I think the first of the two was the reason he was so good. He was great at finding holes. Unfortunately, he's not fast enough for these shorter holes this OL is providing for him...