Which players will provide the one, two punch at running back for Alabama?

Picture comes via Crimson Tide photos

Brian Robinson waited five years to be the starting running back for the University of Alabama, and he responded with his first 1,000-yard season in 2021. He recorded 1,343 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns on 271 carries, becoming an All-SEC performer.

Robinson improved his draft value as a receiver, catching 35 passes for 296 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games.

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He moves on to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the upcoming NFL Draft.

Since 2008, Nick Saban has excelled at pairing a one, two punch at running back. He coached Glenn Coffee/Mark Ingram to success, and it grew after that. Alabama will open spring football with six running backs – including four with college football experience. Trey Sanders, Jase McClellan, and Roydell Williams got opportunities in 2021 for the Crimson Tide. Jahmyr Gibbs, a transfer from Georgia Tech, posted 1,800 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns last season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. 

Who serves as Alabama’s one, two punch at running back for the spring?

Respectable sources have spoken to Touchdown Alabama Magazine about Sanders being the starter.

He battled through injuries and a car accident in 2019 and 2020 but earned field time last year. Sanders had 314 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 72 carries. He caught six passes for 55 yards as a receiver. Sanders possesses a natural running style. 

He switches the ball well to each hand, runs with power, carries speed, and has developed into a good pass blocker.

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He is two years removed from the car accident and three years removed from a foot injury.

McClellan, Gibbs, and Williams will battle for the No. 2 spot.

Before hurting his knee against Ole Miss, McClellan served in a Kenyan Drake/Josh Jacobs role in the receiving game. 

He caught ten passes for 97 yards and three touchdowns. McClellan tallied 191 yards rushing and one score on 40 carries. He has breakaway speed, power, hands, and vision at the position. 

Gibbs spent two seasons at Georgia Tech, but his style should transition to the Southeastern Conference.

Some see a mixture of Alvin Kamara and Reggie Bush in his game. He runs with power between the tackles, possesses acceleration in space, brings natural hands as a receiver, and has a knack for explosive plays on special teams. Jameson Williams transferred from Ohio State and made a seamless transition in 2021. Gibbs has the skill set to be dynamic out the backfield.

Roydell Williams played well for the Tide before a knee injury versus New Mexico State.

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He had 284 rushing yards, 57 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Williams brings power, shiftiness, speed, jump cuts, pass-blocking, and hands in the receiving game. Alabama will have its backs healthy for spring practice, but does it take precautions with McClellan and Williams? Coach Saban brought Gibbs in because of his experience and playmaking capabilities. Any of the three could be the No. 2 rusher for the Tide, but the team could also have two change of pace backs. One could be used as a receiver, while the other could come in on third down to gain tough yards or pick up a blitz in giving Bryce Young time to throw.

The pecking order is something to watch. It will be interesting to watch the hierarchy of the running back room.

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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.