By Zack Cimini

Imagine going from an undrafted rookie free agent to starting running back all in the same season? Most rookie free agent running backs end up as last cuts in training camp, the practice squad, or buried with no playing time on the bench. If you have the ability and work ethic though, anything can happen. Larry Croom will be the true story of that tomorrow when the Cardinals face the Lions.

It all started when Marcell Shipp was lost for the season. Dennis Green from the get go didn?t want Emmitt Smith to carry the load, so he immediately brought in Troy Hambrick. It was an odd combination considering Hambrick talked all kinds of smack about Smith at Dallas. But Hambrick?s maturity showed as he apologized to Smith and accepted his familiar role as backup to Smith again. Sure enough though Hambrick went down to injury and was also lost for the season.

So then Emmitt Smith was given more carries than Green wanted, and Josh Scobey was used sparingly as the scat back. Smith has had some decent games this year considering the Cardinals quarterback situation, and has eight touchdowns. But last week against the Jets he hurt his toe, and that meant Larry Croom would get his shot.

Yes, that?s right Croom had moved ahead of Josh Scobey, and finished the game with ten carries for only twenty-five yards. The Jets are a tough run defense though, and Croom did put in a few good runs that showcased his speed and vision. With Emmitt Smith being downgraded from questionable to doubtful, it is a certainty that Croom will get his first start.

Even if Croom never starts again in the NFL, it?s a great story that shows how hard work can pay off. Here is a kid that started his collegiate career at UofA, only to transfer to UNLV after Arizona?s coaching staff underwent changes. A toe injury is a nagging one that could have Smith in question for at least two to three weeks. When the off season comes around, the Cardinals will have a healthy Hambrick and Shipp back on their active roster. Not to mention Emmitt Smith, who has stayed away from the word ?retirement?. So Croom?s chance to shine in the next few weeks is a golden chance to shine in front of the rest of the NFL. If he plays well there is no doubt he can land a solid backup role somewhere.