Magic City Classic a battle of two good RBs

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama A&M’s Kaderius Lacey figures he has the statistics to lay claim to be one of the best, if not the best, running back in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, but there’s a newcomer at Alabama State that’s stealing some of his spotlight.

When Georgia transfer Isaiah Crowell ended up in the Hornets’ backfield, it bumped Lacey down to the second team on the preseason All-SWAC team.

“I guess the reality is he gets a lot of respect from the conference he was in,” said Lacey, who was the offensive MVP in last year’s Magic City Classic with 189 yards rushing on 38 carries and a touchdown in a 20-19 victory. “I understand, him coming from Georgia, being the No. 1 running back (by recruiting analysts) coming out of high school.

“But before he went to Alabama State, I was first team (SWAC preseason). When he enrolled at Alabama State, he was first team and I was second team. So it’s a little disrespect. I’ve done it on the field in this league. We’re going to see how it plays out Saturday.


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