Ingram exemplifies a true student athlete

Published 7:32 pm Monday, December 14, 2009

Mark Ingram is a first in The University of Alabama.

From now on when people introduce him, they’ll say, Alabama’s first Heisman Trophy winner, Mr. Mark Ingram, a running back.

Rings well, don’t you think?

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His feats on the field are well-known. In 27 career games, Ingram has 392 rushing attempts for 2,270 yards and 27 touchdowns. He averages 84.1 yards per game and 5.7 yards per carry in his two-year career. He has scored at least one rushing touchdown in 19 of his 27 career games, including 10 games this season. He has caught 37 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns, giving him 2,672 all-purpose (99-yard per game average) and 30 career touchdowns.

But Ingram is more than statistics. He is an example for all scholar athletes. He has earned Dean’s List status once at the university. He has attended summer classes, making him eligible for early graduation, should Ingram so choose.

In fact, at one point after winning the Heisman, he conducted an interview with a newspaper while walking to a nearby library to check his computer for assignments.

It is this kind of dedication to the classroom and to his game that makes Ingram stand head and shoulders above others.

All Alabamians should be proud to say this young man, a native of Flynt, Mich., spent his college career here.

For all this Alabama Congressmen Artur Davis and Spencer Bachus will introduce a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives honoring the sophomore.

Congratulations, Mark Ingram.