Kalen DeBoer tells how Alabama running backs performed in first scrimmage

Alabama football’s offensive staff was able to see production out of the run game during the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday, according to Kalen DeBoer.

The Tide’s backfield is led by senior running back, Jam Miller, who averaged 4.6 yards per carry on 145 rushes and 668 yards last season. Miller, Dre Washington, Daniel Hill and Richard Young had their moments in the first scrimmage.

“I thought Jam (Miller) started out really well,” DeBoer said. “I thought the offensive line did a nice job creating some seams for Jam to hit. He got to the second level, broke a couple tackles. I thought it was one of the better showings I’ve seen Jam have in a scrimmage. And then, Daniel Hill is a guy we’re getting more and comfortable with. He’s a big back, but I think it’s deceiving what he does from a skillset standpoint because he can catch the ball out of the backfield. And Dre has been consistent all camp long. I thought he recorded a couple runs up in there, did a nice job of maybe when there’s not something there, just moving the pile and getting those three-yard gains that are important to setting the offense for good down and distances. Rich (Richard Young) continues to do his thing, too. But out of all of them, I think Jam certainly had the best day and I think that’s been consistent.”

DeBoer also noted that he’s pleased with each back’s ability to protect in pass protection and what they can provide from a receiving standpoint as weapons, catching the ball out of the backfield.

“I feel good about ultimate pass protections,” DeBoer said. “First with their responsibilities and their abilities to go up there and execute too, and get the job done with blitzes and things like that. Our running backs are doing a good job of that, and when they get out, they’ve been effective pass-catchers as well.”

The progression of Alabama’s running backs will be something to watch as fall camp continues.