In the most talented and most crowded backfield in the world of college football, former Hahnville High School star halfback Alfred Blue has apparently moved ahead of the pack. The 6-2, 222-pound junior halfback has drawn high praise from the Tiger coaching staff and in particular head coach Les Miles.
After two games, Blue leads the team in rushing with 224 yards and he is averaging 7.5 yards per carry. He has scored one touchdown on the season and is averaging 112 yards per game.
Head coach Les Miles has high praise for the former Class 6-5A 2009 Offensive MVP.
“Alfred has a great work ethic and he has had a very good fall camp,” Miles said. “We are very pleased with his skills as an inside runner and yet he has the foot speed and quickness to make people miss in space. What people don’t realize is just how talented he is as a receiver and he has really worked hard to be a top blocker for our quarterbacks in pass protection sets. Some of the defensive coaches were trying to get him to switch to that side of the ball as either an outside linebacker or a safety, but he is the right fit at halfback and we are more than pleased with his progress.
“He comes from an excellent high school program and he understands what it takes to win games and sometimes that means some personal sacrifice. He’s an outstanding member of this football squad both on and off the field.”
Blue worked hard to gain the inside edge as the starting halfback by training in the off-season with Duke Rousse at the Duke Academy in New Orleans.
Rousse credits Blue’s great work habits and his constant drive to be the best as a major reason for his success.
“This young man can run like the wind,” Rousse said. “He took no time off in the summer and he was the first one at the facility and the last one to leave. He has a tremendous work ethic, an NFL-type body build and God-given skills that you just don’t see everyday. Alfred could pass for a track sprinter or a basketball player because of his build. He’s got super quick feet, outstanding field vision and he is a very humble young man.
“He’s a terrific football player, but an even better person.”
LSU offensive guard Josh Dworaczyk says that Blue has a superb combination of size, speed and power. Dworaczyk also praised Blue’s skills as a pass protector and receiver.
“Mostly what I see from Alfred run, I’ve seen a power running back that will put his shoulder into somebody,” the sixth-year offensive lineman said. “He’s been making some real nice open field moves that I haven’t seen from him in the past. I can tell he has worked hard in the summer getting quicker and improving his lateral speed.
“He can make people miss him in space and that is saying a lot for a tall-cut halfback. He’s the complete package and he is really going to benefit our overall attack this season.”
Blue likens his skills to that of former New Orleans Saints and current Miami Dolphins halfback Reggie Bush and Minnesota Vikings All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson.
“Reggie Bush breaks people down in space and he’ll make you miss,” Blue said. “Adrian Peterson runs with a determined manner. In his mind no one can stop him. I think I have a little of both in my game.”
While Blue has waited patiently for his shot, he realizes he has to make the most of his playing time in such a talented backfield.
“Everybody here, if it’s Spencer Ware, Michael Ford, Kenny (Hilliard) or Jeremy Hill, wants to start. All I know is when they call my number I’ll do what I do best,” Blue said. “I will give everything I have and try to seize the moment. I have a good combination of power, speed and moves. Also I also have a downhill running feature. I just want to help get this team back to the top of the SEC and get a shot again at the national championship.”
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