Leonard Fournette asked to compare an NFL defense to an Alabama defense

Leonard Fournette is off to a strong start in the NFL, and he stands by his comments that the NFL seems easy to him.

The former LSU star and current RB for the Jacksonville Jaguars is putting up strong numbers in his rookie season. Fournette has rushed for 596 yards with three 100-yard performances. He’s added 136 yards receiving and seven total touchdowns while helping the Jaguars get off to a 4-3 start.

Fournette is definitely used to stiff competition after playing in the SEC West with LSU. Still, most players experience a big change making the jump from college to the NFL. Fournette, however, appears to be adjusting just fine.

Steven Ruiz with For the Win shared Fournette’s comments from a recent interview. When asked if he stood by his comments that the NFL game speed was slower and easier than he expected, Fournette confirmed that he stands by his comments:

Most definitely. I stand by it. You’re playing against older guys, but to me the speed of the game is still the same. Playing in the SEC, and against other top schools, you’re used to that. A lot of guys who are in the NFL are SEC guys.

One of the defenses that helped prepare Fournette for the NFL has to be Alabama. When asked to compare the Crimson Tide defense to an NFL defense, Fournette pointed out that the game plans are quite similar:

I mean really it’s the same gameplan. Stop the run. That’s everyone’s first thing they want to do. But college is college. I don’t really think about college. I’m past that now. Alabama’s a great school but I’m focused on the next thing.

Fournette was also asked about the job Ed Orgeron has done with LSU, and he believes Coach O is doing a great job so far:

Coach O’s a great coach. In the SEC, man, every game is hard. Mentally you have to prepare and fight each and every week. Coach O is doing a great job with the players and I love the direction he’s taking it.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.