Alabama knows what it has at the running back position in facing Miami.
Despite the departure of Najee Harris to the National Football League, Brian Robinson returns with experience and the trio behind him is talented. Nick Saban broke down each player during Thursday’s airing of “Hey Coach,” but he saved his biggest praise for one of them. Robinson brings power, but Saban said Jase McClellan is an all-around back. The native Texan possesses speed, power, receiving capabilities, and is a good pass blocker. Roydell Williams is smaller than the other two, and he is the fastest per Saban. When it comes to Trey Sanders, the sophomore has grabbed the heart of his head coach.
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The rotation is deep, but Saban sees something special in Sanders. As a native Floridian, he came to Alabama in the 2019 class as a five-star.
He had big plans as a true freshman; however, a foot injury relegated him to redshirt. Sanders was prepared to be impactful last year.
The Crimson Tide worked him into games, and the alumnus of IMG Academy had a strong performance against Mississippi State.
Things were trending up for Sanders until he was involved in a car accident at home. The incident left him with serious injuries, including a hip issue, and he missed the remainder of 2020.
Not many thought he would recover as fast and as strong as he has done. Sanders turned in a great summer and a better preseason camp.
His teammates and coaches are in awe of his work ethic and desire to contribute. Regardless of what he’s been through, Sanders is a fighter and Crimson Tide fans are behind him.
He is the running back that Saban is ‘anxious’ to see back in action.
“The one guy that I’ve been really impressed with is Trey Sanders,” Saban said. “He had a lot to overcome and he’s really worked his tail off, and there would be nobody on our team that I would be happier to see have success because he’s getting very close to being 100 percent.”
Sanders was a special player in high school, and Saban wants to see that player for the Tide.
He is looking forward to the opportunities he may get versus Miami.
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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 “watch” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
