Why Ryan Grubb feels Alabama football’s running back room is ‘really different’ in 2026

Alabama football’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb feels the Crimson Tide’s running back room is looking different this spring.

The Crimson Tide has returned Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley and AK Dear to its backfield. Khalifa Keith joined the Tide’s running back room after transferring. EJ Crowell and Trae’shawn Brown rounded out this group when they joined from the high school ranks.

Grubb feels a different energy in this room in spring practice. He referred to the Tide’s running group as a very competitive one.

“I look at the guys that have been there, Daniel and Kevin… even their preparation and their mindset right now is really different,” Grubb said. “I mean, just Daniel looks great. He’s hovering in the low 230s. Last year at this time, he was probably in the 250s, and he just looks quicker, more powerful, sudden. And Kevin’s got another step to him right now. I think that competition in the room with those guys and A.K. Dear is really the whole room has gotten better.”

Hill has dropped eight pounds from the 2025 season, according to Alabama’s official 2026 roster. Riley added seven pounds.