re: Best LSU RB ever??

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Nobody cut like Barry Sanders, but Hilliard was pretty close, and his lower body strength and desire to finish runs was impressive.

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Hilliard was not a "bruising" back, by any stretch. However, in short yardage situations (and virtually any time he was in traffic), he maintained outstanding running form, kept his weight low, knees pumping, and was usually very effective at finding where he could lean and fall forward when he finally did go down. Situationally, he could run as effectively as a larger, stronger back. Because of his good form, his leg drive would disrupt tackling attempts between the tackles.

Jimmy Taylor, on the other hand, being more naturally an old school fullback, sought to initiate contact, whenever possible, and his general goal was to demoralize the opposition by inflicting more damage than was done to him. He would run to daylight if possible, but there were many instances where it was him against one or two remaining defenders and he chose the spot of the tackle and initiated the hit.