After losing Jerome Ford to the NCAA transfer portal and rumors sparking about Najee Harris returning for his senior year, there is a decision Brian Robinson has to make moving forward.
If Harris decides to come back, Alabama would have seven scholarship running backs – including three it signed for its 2020 class.
Quite naturally, Harris would serve as the No. 1 rusher and a healthy Trey Sanders stands at No. 2.
Keilan Robinson showed Nick Saban and Crimson Tide fans a lot in a small sample size in 2019, so he ranks as the third back.
With the trio of Jace McClellan, Kyle Edwards and Roydell Williams in also, all three will push for playing time as freshmen.
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The departures of Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III will shift Chadarius Townsend back to wide receiver.
A native of Tanner, Ala., he enrolled in the 2017 signing class, yet he has not found a position to call home.
The former four-star has played at receiver, defensive back and running back. Although he is a Tuscaloosa native, the business decision for Brian Robinson may actually be to switch to fullback or H-back for next season.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 226 pounds, Robinson brings much power and is a north/south runner.
He has shown consistency in pass protection and in goal line situations, he has proven to be an exceptional run blocker.
While he totaled 441 yards rushing with five touchdowns last year, Harris gives the Tide more options out of the backfield than Robinson.
He’s recorded 878 rushing yards with nine scores on 183 carries in three seasons, but Robinson’s chance at the National Football League may come from him serving in a Jalston Fowler type of role.
Fowler was a strong runner at Alabama; nevertheless, injuries had him take on the fullback/H-back role and he excelled at it.
He caught five touchdown passes in 2013 and accounted for two more in 2014 under Lane Kiffin at offensive coordinator. Fowler’s success created an opportunity for him to get selected in the 2015 NFL Draft to the Tennessee Titans.
Robinson has the traits to dominate in this role and should Harris return, it stands as the lone option for him to make an impact at Alabama.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
