Spring football returns to the University of Alabama on Friday.
Fans of the Crimson Tide are very excited for this edition of athletes taking the field, as Nick Saban and the program looks to win a national championship. With 15 practice sessions on the slate – including the A-Day Game – yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine will provide in-depth previews of each position.
RELATED: Alabama Spring Football Preview: Quarterbacks
After dissecting quarterbacks, we look at the running backs
The Veterans
Najee Harris, Senior
Once a five-star from California, Najee Harris is back to dominate Alabama’s backfield for his senior season.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder had his first career 1,000-yard campaign in 2019, totaling 1,224 yards rushing with 13 touchdowns on 209 carries. He was credited with six 100-yard performances; however, Harris’ finest work started versus LSU (146 yards) at home.
Along with improving as a rusher, Harris displayed his versatility at receiver.
He was one of five players that caught 20 or more passes (27) and collected 304 yards receiving with seven scores.
As he looks to create first-round value for the 2021 NFL Draft, Alabama fans want to see Harris take more steps into being a powerful runner.
He has added a lot of moves to his skill set – including a hurdle, stiff-arm and spin move – yet fans want to see more power.
Harris intends to work on that in spring ball.
Brian Robinson Jr., Senior
He posted a tweet on social media about this year being ‘personal’ for him, but now it’s time for Brian Robinson to own it.
He arrived in the Crimson Tide’s 2017 class as a four-star and the Tuscaloosa native has improved each year.
Robinson produced 441 rushing yards with five touchdowns on 96 carries in his junior season.
At 6-foot-1, 226 pounds, he showed great power and diversity last year. Robinson was an exceptional blocking back in goal line situations, while catching 11 passes for 124 yards.
Although people are excited to see Trey Sanders, Keilan Robinson and the freshmen backs signed in this class, Robinson has a chip on his shoulders.
The Up-and-Comers
Keilan Robinson, Sophomore
Former Tide standout, Kenyan Drake was the last player who possessed tremendous breakaway speed at the running back position.
Keilan Robinson restored that trait to Alabama in 2019, as Nick Saban referred to him as the player ‘with the juice’ at the position.
A four-star via Washington, D.C., he did not get the same attention as Trey Sanders. However, an injury to Sanders allowed for Robinson to show he’s not second rate. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, Robinson led the team in yards per rush attempt (6.51) last year and had two scores.
He turned in 254 yards rushing on 39 carries in eight games. With the departures of Henry Ruggs and Trevon Diggs to the NFL Draft, there will be opportunities available for Robinson in the return game.
Not only does he have great acceleration, his skill set is one that Alabama cannot afford to not have on the field.
Trey Sanders, RS Freshman
He is the one fans want to see become a superstar.
Trey Sanders was having a strong fall camp last August, until a foot injury ended his season before he could even play. A five-star out of Port Saint Joe, Fla., Sanders was a household name at IMG Academy under coaches Kevin Wright (head coach) and Carnell “Cadillac” Williams (running backs). He was offered by every major program in the nation and his potential rivals Ezekiel Elliot and Alvin Kamara in the National Football League. The 6-foot, 214-pounder carries speed, power, vision and strong hands. He is a pure combination at running back.
After having a year to learn the system, people feel Sanders will be the No. 2 back.
The Freshmen
The trio of Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams and Kyle Edwards will see the field as true freshmen.
All three players signed as four-stars and McClellan and Williams enrolled early for spring practice.
McClellan, a native of Aledo, Texas, had a career of 6,468 rushing yards and 122 touchdowns. He also caught 28 passes for 429 yards with three scores in his high school tenure.
Williams, an alumnus of Hueytown (Ala.) High School, had three straight 1,000-yard seasons and concluded his career with 5,929 yards rushing with 84 rushing scores. He totaled 92 touchdowns in his tenure and while injuries limited him as a senior, Williams helped the Golden Gophers to the Class 6A state semifinals of the playoffs.
The 5-foot-10, 207-pounder has the potential to provide Alabama with what it lost in the departure of Josh Jacobs to the NFL.
As for Edwards, the Louisiana native will have a chance to find his niche.
He size favors Trey Sanders (6-0/210), yet Edwards anticipates being a much tougher runner between the tackles.
Stephen’s prediction at RB for Alabama
RB 1: Najee Harris/Trey Sanders
RB 2: Brian Robinson/Keilan Robinson
RB 3: Jase McClellan/Roydell Williams/Kyle Edwards
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*
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.
