He did not see carries versus Florida and Texas A&M, but Trey Sanders got opportunities against Mississippi State.
As a redshirt sophomore, he is regaining his confidence from injuries suffered in a 2020 car accident. When he runs, Crimson Tide fans see natural movement from him. He cuts well, runs behind his pads, possesses vision, and brings speed in open space.
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Sanders was known for finishing runs in high school and can do it at Alabama.
He logged four carries for 27 yards in a 49-9 rout of the Bulldogs, including a long run of 20 yards. If he had broken a tackle on the 20-yard run, Sanders probably has his second rushing touchdown of the year. The 6-foot, 214-pounder is getting stronger, yet it could be a situation where Coach Nick Saban is saving the native Floridian for matchups later in the season. He did it with Bo Scarbrough during the 2016 season. Scarbrough endured injuries before arriving on the University of Alabama campus.
He rehabbed from a knee injury during his freshman campaign in 2015 as he missed the first four games.
Scarbrough was banged up at times in 2016, but his start against Tennessee kicked off his confidence. He totaled 109 yards rushing, including an 85-yard touchdown at Neyland Stadium. His efforts would build in matchups with LSU, Auburn, and Florida (SEC Championship). The Tuscaloosa native exploded in the College Football Playoff semifinal (Peach Bowl) showdown versus Washington. He had a career-high 180 yards rushing with two scores on 19 carries in a 24-7 victory for the Tide.
Scarbrough earned Most Valuable Player (offense) honors for his breakout performance.
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Alabama might be saving Sanders for a moment like that. He can do it and has worked hard for it.
According to Saban, Sanders is making good progress.
“He’s worked hard,” he said of Sanders. “It was good to see him get in the game last week and have some positive runs. I think getting his confidence back is a big part of that. We are going to continue working with him. He has a great attitude about what he’s trying to do, and he is going to get better.”
Sanders has 110 yards rushing with a touchdown on 24 carries.
Alabama faces Tennessee this week at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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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.
