Which Alabama running backs are stepping up in practice with Jam Miller out?

Alabama football is attempting to fill a hole Jam Miller has left within its offense after he went down with an upper-body injury in the Crimson Tide’s latest scrimmage.

Alabama’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was asked how the other Alabama running backs were looking in practice with Jam Miller being out, and he highlighted Daniel Hill, Dre Washington and Kevin Riley.

“Daniel Hill has done a good job providing a lot of protection, and I think he’s gotten a lot better at that as far as with his eyes, super physical guy,” Grubb said. “I think Daniel is starting to run like the back we saw in the spring. Early in camp, I thought he was a little bit slow to come to that. Dre has a great vision running the football. He improves every day still. I think some of the pass-protection responsibilities, probably, we’re not in his wheelhouse prior to getting here. Kevin Riley has started to show up a little bit. He is a guy who has really nice vision, not as big of a back as the other guys but runs very physical, and it is really good out of the backfield.”

Hill has been talked about quite often during fall camp. The big and physical running back continues to trend towards getting meaningful snaps in 2025. Washington has also got his fair share of praise as the Tide’s most experienced active running back.

On the other hand, Riley has not received as much praise. The Tuscaloosa County product was considered one of the most explosive running back prospects in the country coming out of high school.

Grubb was later asked about Richard Young in particular. Young returns to Alabama after flashing more and more as the 2024 season progressed.

“Rich has been super physical and has been a guy the last two scrimmages I thought when we need a little bit of a spark to pop a run right up the middle, finish it, and he’s done a great job,” said Grubb. “He’s worked really, really hard becomin g a better player out of the backfield. He’s gotten better at that, very responsible. He cares a lot. He’s tough, physical, and we love him.”

Alabama now has to figure out its carry distribution while Miller is sidelined. The next week or so will play a huge role in the Tide’s staff doing so.

“We got to see a lot here in the next week or so to see who can handle the game plan and who is the most responsible with all the duties,” Grubb said.