A program that’s used to stockpiling ball carriers, now finds itself lacking depth at the position.
Alabama recruited four talented running backs in its 2013 class, however, Derrick Henry is the lone wolf. Freshman Bo Scarbrough was tabbed to be the third back in Alabama’s rotation, but a knee injury back in March could cause him to be out until September.
Four-star freshman Desherrius Flowers was declared academically ineligible last week, putting much pressure on five-star freshman Damien Harris and redshirt sophomore Ronnie Clark.
Thursday brought good news in the form of 5-foot-7, 215-pound running back Demetrice Vaughn. Vaughn, who attended Blount High School (Ala.), was academically accepted to the University of Alabama. He was an all-purpose back at Blount, accounting for 1,832 rushing yards with 18 touchdowns on 222 carries as a senior.
Vaughn caught 8 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Leopards.
Vaughn will enroll at Alabama as a walk-on in the coming days. The Crimson Tide returns senior running back Kenyan Drake this fall, but head coach Nick Saban and company are happy with having Vaughn on board. He will have an opportunity to produce this season.
Stephen M. Smith is a staff writer and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
