Santonio Beard

Santonio Beard is a former running back from the University of Alabama. He left just after his junior season in 2002. Beard's most productive season came in 2002 after the exit of Ahmaad Galloway due to injury. Beard rushed for close to 900 yards his junior season. This was achieved despite splitting carries with former Crimson Tide running back Shaud Williams. He currently shares a University of Alabama record for the most touchdowns in a single game with five. He is tied with NFL running back Shaun Alexander. This feat was achieved in 2002 against the University of Mississippi.

Beard's most notable game came against the Auburn Tigers in 2001, in which he and Ahmaad Galloway rushed for close to 300 yards combined. This ultimately lead to the Crimson Tide's second victory against Auburn University at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Professional
After coach Dennis Franchione's departure, Beard decided to forgo his senior year. However, he was undrafted and signed with the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League. He played for the Denver Broncos but was cut after the first season.

Drug arrest
Santonio Beard was arrested on September 13, 2008 on drug possession charges by the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force and charged with possession of cocaine and second-degree marijuana possession. Capt. Greg Kosloff, spokesman for the Tuscaloosa Police Department, said cocaine and marijuana were found in Beard’s possession when a police patrol division stopped Beard on a traffic stop.