Alabama football has a running back room that mirrors what it had in 2018 with Damien Harris, Najee Harris, Josh Jacobs, and Brian Robinson Jr.
The Crimson Tide possesses a strong one, two punch with Justice Haynes and Jam Miller, but will the latter name capture the starting job for Alabama in the fall? Haynes, a former five-star, is a tremendous talent. Tide fans watched him rip a few really nice runs in the Rose Bowl against Michigan. He brings the power, speed, vision, cutback abilities, and balance at running back; however, Kalen DeBoer’s offense will have the position catching passes too. Miller, a former four-star in the 2022 class, enters his third season in the program. He has developed into a vocal leader, and this offense may fit him better than Haynes.
RELATED: Former Alabama QB rates Kalen DeBoer’s chances of winning a national championship
The two play very well off each other, but Miller had an explosive spring game. He totaled 83 yards rushing on eight carries with two touchdowns, earning the Dixie Howell Memorial Most Valuable Player of the game. Miller also caught a few passes out the backfield, showing his versatility as a receiver. He brings speed, vision, contact balance, agility, and pass-catching abilities.
Miller caught four passes in 2023 for Alabama’s Southeastern Conference Championship team, including a touchdown reception from Jalen Milroe on a wheel route versus Georgia. The Tide wants to be dynamic in every area on offense, and Miller provides that with his skill set. Haynes brings power between the tackles and balance is important, yet Alabama looks to be more pass-first oriented in the fall. It sets up Miller with a chance to be RB1 and take this offense to a highly explosive level in the coming fall.
Both backs will be impactful, but Miller may be more significant in DeBoer’s system.
*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 senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
