How will Alabama navigate the absence of Jam Miller?

Kickoff is less than two weeks away for the No. 8 Alabama Crimson Tide as they look to redeem themselves from last year’s 9-4 season. 

Alabama has undergone some changes to the offense, which will require some extra leadership from the returning starters. One of those returning starters is senior running back Jam Miller, but injury will force him to miss at least the season-opener at Florida State on Aug 30.

This loss significantly impacts the Tide, not only on the field, but also in the locker room. Alabama has no choice but to try and find answers as they prepare for the Seminoles (and perhaps more games) without Miller.

A new starting running back needs to step up

The first and obvious change to the offense is that the team needs a young and inexperienced running back to take the bulk of the carries. Miller was the second leading rusher for Alabama last season, only behind quarterback Jalen Milroe, with 668 yards and seven touchdowns on 145 carries.

Three running backs competing for the new first-string spot are redshirt sophomore Richard Young, redshirt senior Dre Washington and sophomore Daniel Hill. Young rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries last season for the Tide. Hill has great athleticism, but has only rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Washington has the most experience, rushing for 1,343 yards and nine touchdowns on 229 carries for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.

Tide must get the pro-style offense established

Alabama will likely focus more on the passing game, which puts even more pressure on junior quarterback Ty Simpson. He is set to make his first collegiate start on the road against Florida State. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has stated that he wants to utilize a pro-style offense, which requires Simpson to pass more.

Simpson might be the right answer as the starting quarterback for the Tide, but time will tell if he can handle the heavy workload, especially without Miller. Miller was also an efficient blocker in the backfield. This offensive scheme, along with Miller’s absence, could make the Tide predictable to the Seminoles’ defense.

A new leader must step up

Miller’s injury isn’t just a concern on the field, but also off the field. Miller was set to be one of the most reliable leaders in the locker room, on the sidelines and in the huddle. That burden will likely have to be shifted to other established players, at least in the huddle. 

One obvious answer is left tackle Kadyn Proctor, who has been a part of the highs and lows of the offense in the last two years as the starter. Proctor was among the players who left the program after Nick Saban retired as head coach, but returned before playing a down for another program. He has been a leader on the offensive line, but his role likely has to expand.

This could be a time for wide receivers Germie Bernard (senior), WR Ryan Williams (sophomore) and Miami Hurricanes transfer Isaiah Horton (redshirt junior) or redshirt junior center Parker Brailsford to take on the role for the Tide’s offense.