Ed Orgeron says LSU RB Leonard Fournette ‘for sure’ belongs in the Heisman race

Leonard Fournette’s record-breaking performance against Ole Miss on Oct. 22 injected him into the Heisman race once again, and Ed Orgeron thinks that’s exactly where he belongs.

“For sure. He’s the best player in the country,” LSU’s interim coach said Wednesday during the SEC coaches teleconference. ” … It wasn’t his fault he was hurt. He’s probably the most motivated player on the team (to play Alabama).”

A persistent ankle injury has prevented Fournette from playing in three of the Tigers’ seven games this season, but Orgeron doesn’t believe that should hinder his Heisman candidacy. He compared Fournette’s situation to former USC Carson Palmer’s late-season push to win the Heisman in 2002, when Orgeron was on the Trojans’ staff.

But the junior running back faces his biggest test of the year against a Crimson Tide rushing defense that gives up just 70 yards per game.

Alabama ended Fournette’s Heisman campaign last season, and he’ll surely be hoping to avoid a repeat performance Saturday. The Crimson Tide held him to just 31 yards on 19 carries in Tuscaloosa last year.

Remember they told me that we will fail…..

— 7⃣ Leonard Fournette (@_fournette) November 2, 2016

Marcus Rodrigue

Marcus covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.