By Gavin Lapaille
Webster defines potential as existing in possibility: capable of development into actuality.
In sports, we often hear more about the potential of an athlete than their actual talent. Guys are rated by recruiting web sites and national analysis on what they may be able to do eventually, not what they can do now.
The University of Louisville football team is certainly no different. Led by a group of young players, there is reason for optimism in the Card’s future. None have been better than freshman running back Victor Anderson.
People continually call Anderson the “running back of the future.” And who could blame them? Anderson has looked solid so far this year, getting passed defenders and constantly making something out of nothing. What he may be capable of in two or three years is exciting to think about.
One of the best things about Anderson is how he handles himself off the field. With all the problems the U of L football team experienced in the last year, Anderson has been one of the good guys. He’s a local kid who could have gone anywhere he wanted out of high school.
What Anderson does on the field is pretty good too. Anything is possible with Anderson in the game, as evident by his 88-yard touchdown run against Middle Tennessee State. I constantly find myself yelling “Give Vic the ball!” no matter what the circumstance.
I’m a bit cautious of joining in on the “running back of the future” talk, however. Yes, Anderson has been nothing short of remarkable. But every year, it seems Louisville has a new running back of the future, and the future normally isn’t as bright as it looked a season or two before.
A few seasons ago, it was George Stripling who excited us with his blistering speed and exciting moves. It was two years ago that Anthony Allen powered his way through defenders and into conversations. Less than a year ago, Bilal Powell was the latest to receive the “running back for the future” label.
For one reason or another, none of these guys panned out quite the way Cardinal fans had hoped. Allen and Stripling are both rushing the ball for other teams right now after leaving U of L. Powell hasn’t been the featured back like many expected he would be (although there is still plenty of time for that to happen).
I’m not trying to say Anderson is destined for the same fate as those who have come before him. In fact, Anderson has a very real possibility of being one of the best running backs in the nation for the next three to four years. He’s proven he is that good.
It’s important to appreciate the season Anderson is having right now, because it doesn’t necessarily mean greatness is in store for the future. Would anyone be surprised if at this time next year we had named Darius Ashley the new “running back of the future” or even if Powell had found himself back as the starter? Or maybe even someone that none of us could predict right now?
Just don’t base it completely on potential, because potential is worth about as much as the paper it’s printed on.
