How Alabama running backs performed in 2nd spring scrimmage

Alabama’s running back room has garnered plenty of attention following the conclusion of the 2025 season, mainly because the run game was so unexpectedly ineffective throughout the season. But the Tide has plans for that to change.

With the Crimson Tide losing starting running back Jam Miller, head coach Kalen DeBoer and the Tide went to work, securing in-state five-star Ezavier Crowell and three-star Texas native Trae’shawn Brown out of the high school ranks.

For additional depth, Alabama secured Khalifa Keith out of the transfer portal from Appalachian State. After adding three new running backs over the offseason, spring practice has allowed the staff to get an early look at the room as a whole.

Probable starter Daniel Hill has lost some weight, but still looks as big as ever. Kevin Riley and AK Dear have followed, with Keith and Brown in the back. Crowell has unfortunately been dealing with a soft tissue injury and has not practiced much.

After the Tide’s second scrimmage of the spring on Friday, DeBoer gave an update on the running back room.

“[Crowell] hasn’t practiced since last week,” DeBoer said. “So, probably more of the same for next week. But Kevin Riley, what he had seems to hit; he accelerated, showed some good burst. He’s got a good knack in between slithering through and finding those holes. Daniel [Hill] I thought had a good week of practice. Probably didn’t get quite as many opportunities to hit the big ones today. That’s not necessarily always on him… The guy I thought had a nice week was Trae’shawn [Brown].”

As DeBoer has mentioned this spring, nobody should get comfortable, because everyone’s competing for the starting job.

The Crimson Tide has a loaded running back that’s not lacking any talent whatsoever. Fans already know just how capable some of the returners are, but with guys like Brown making an early impact, there’s no telling who will get the reps in the fall.

If one thing is certain, though, it’s that Crowell is bound to make an early impact once he gets going, whether that be in the spring or fall, whether he gets tons of reps this season or not; he was a former five-star for a reason.

The competition will continue to breed toughness and talent, and the only thing fans can do now is wait until April 11, when the Crimson Tide will host its annual A-Day scrimmage, showcasing just a small look at the team in action.