The University of Alabama has a storied football history. And Shaun Alexander is a big part of that history.
The Crimson Tide running back is the leading non-kicker scorer in the school's history.
He is the leading rusher in school history.
He is second on the school's all-purpose yardage list behind former Denver and Miami running back Bobby Humphrey.
He scored more touchdowns than anyone else in 'Bama history.
He is going to be a first-round pick in this weekend's NFL draft.
And physical skills aside, he has that special quality that goes with being a great running back.
''Greatness goes beyond physical skill,'' Mississippi coach David Cutcliffe said. ''Greatness is involved with making the critical play at the critical time, finding ways to get the ball in the end zone and getting better as the game goes on.
''Shaun Alexander does all those things.''
Drawing comparisons to Jamal Anderson of the Atlanta Falcons, Alexander is tough enough to run inside and still has the ability to find the seam and break the big play.
There were some questions about his speed, but Alexander has cut his time in the 40-yard dash by working with speed coach Joe Gentry. Gentry, former athletic director at Harrison High School in Colorado Springs and currently track coach for the Thailand Olympic team, worked with Alexander on improving his speed.
''He noticed I wasn't breathing when I was running,'' Alexander said. ''It was a simple thing that I never thought about, but it made a big difference in my speed.''
Though he was quick enough to be chosen the Southeastern Conference's Player of the Year, any increase in speed will raise Alexander's stock in the draft.
He already has exceptional lower-body strength, leg drive and body lean.
SCOUTING THE DRAFT: RUNNING BACKS
Rnk.....Player.....College.....Ht......Wt.
1. Thomas Jones.....Virginia.....5-10.....216
Comment: Rushed for more than 3,000 yards during the past two seasons, but he probably isn't in the same category as Indianapolis' Edgerrin James.
2. Shaun Alexander.....Alabama.....5-11.....218
Comment: Has excellent vision and hands; made 25 catches for 323 yards this past season.
3. Jamal Lewis.....Tennessee.....5-11.....237
Comment: Scouts have him rated all over the board because of an old knee injury.
4. Ron Dayne.....Wisconsin.....5-10.....259
Comment: Heisman Trophy winner carried his team to the Rose Bowl two years in a row, but questions persist about his weight.
5. Shyrone Stith.....Virginia Tech.....5-7.....204
Comment: He showed he had star potential when he rushed for 199 yards in his first game as a true freshman.
Position overview: Five backs will get first-round consideration, but none has the ratings of James or New Orleans' Ricky Williams when they entered the draft.
Teams in need: Ravens, Cardinals, Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Chiefs, Giants.
Sleeper: James Madison tailback Curtis Keaton's stock skyrocketed after an electrifying workout at the NFL combine, including an NBA-caliber vertical jump of 41 1/2 inches.
Most overrated: Arizona State's J.R. Redmond, whose senior season was interrupted by injury and an NCAA suspension.
Did you know? Jones' mother worked 17 years in coal mines while raising seven children.
Steve Trivett writes for the Denver Rocky Mountain News.