LSU's Justin Vincent is an emerging star, but he's not allowed to talk about it.
By BOB HARIG
Published January 2, 2004
NEW ORLEANS - The adage is a worn one, a cliche often used by players who have nothing better to say. In so many words, they might be apt to proclaim that they let their play on the field do the talking.
In Justin Vincent's case, the words are actually true.
He has no choice.
In a world of major media coverage and sound bites, Vincent is prohibited from talking to the media.
LSU's starting tailback has hardly been seen this week in New Orleans, site of Sunday's Sugar Bowl between the second-ranked Tigers and third-ranked Oklahoma for the BCS national championship.
He figures to play a key role in the game, but as part of LSU coach Nick Saban's policy, freshmen don't talk to the media.
"There's a process of developing that we all need to go through," Saban said. "We want them to feel confident and comfortable when they do speak so that they represent themselves and their family and the program in a first-class way. That's really the reason. It's not to penalize anybody."
It is ironic, then, that so much trust would be given to a player on the field.
Vincent, a fourth-team tailback earlier this season, set an SEC title game record with 201 yards on 18 carries and had the longest run in the game's history, an 87-yarder for a touchdown, in the Tigers' 34-13 victory over Georgia. He was the game's most valuable player.
A 2002 signee who sat out last season because he was not eligible academically, Vincent actually was looked at as a defensive back in the spring because the Tigers had such depth at running back.
But veterans Joseph Addai and Shyrone Carey sustained knee injuries, and suddenly Vincent was thrust into action in the backfield. He started for the first time in LSU's seventh game against South Carolina after carrying 10 times for 97 yards in LSU's first two SEC games.
"We really thought Justin Vincent was a good football player, but with the running backs we had, we didn't know if he was going to get the opportunity to play," Saban said. "I think it's a great example of a guy who went to work every day, practiced well every day and did the best he could do to improve as a player, even though he may not have the opportunity to play in a game.
"That's a difficult thing that a lot of backup players have a tough time dealing with. Justin did that with perseverance and character, and whenever he got the opportunity he took advantage of it and has done a fantastic job for us down the stretch. He has actually done more than I ever hoped he would."
Vincent, 5 feet 11, 205 pounds, of Lake Charles, La., is 17 yards away from Dalton Hilliard's 1982 school record for a freshman, 901 yards, despite having started just six games.
His first start was Oct. 18 at South Carolina, the week after LSU's only defeat, at home to Florida. He responded with 77 yards and two touchdowns and never relinquished the starting position. He followed with a 127-yard performance against Arkansas and capped the season with three straight 100-yard games. Vincent led the Tigers with nine rushing touchdowns.
"I just took it as it came this season and waited," Vincent said in the only interview he was allowed to give this season, on the night of the SEC title game. "I didn't try to rush it."
"The guy shows it on the field, and that's the only thing that counts," LSU receiver Michael Clayton said. "He's not a guy who is going to get on the camera and say anything bad, because he's a good character guy. But for the most part, it's really not necessary right now."
Clayton, a junior, starred for the Tigers two years ago as a freshman and like Vincent was prohibited from speaking to the media except once, after making a touchdown catch to defeat Kentucky.
"As a freshman, you really don't need the media exposure," he said.
Saban decided that was true several years ago when he was coach at Michigan State. One of his receivers during the 1998 season was Plaxico Burress (now in the NFL), who on the eve of a game at rival Michigan said that "it would be like taking candy from a baby."
"I said, "That's it,' " Saban said. "He had never been to Michigan to play before, and they had just won a national championship. ... History is the best indicator of what the future will bring, which is what I was taught. My past experience with freshmen, namely with (running back) Sedrick Irvin and Plaxico Burress (at MSU), who both played great with us. But both showed more maturity as sophomores and juniors."
Vincent's maturity, so far, is being shown in actions, not words.
