Summer workouts will be here soon for the Crimson Tide as the summer enrollees have moved in on campus.
In this series, the staff at Touchdown Alabama Magazine will project the starters for each position group.
Alabama’s running back room is a position not many are talking about.
RELATED: Alabama 5-star freshman loves the leadership QB Jalen Milroe takes with this team
The Crimson Tide has arguably the best collection of backs in college football, and Robert Gillespie is one of the nation’s best coaches at the position. Alabama has a room that rivals some of the best groups during the Nick Saban era.
The Tide has five backs on its roster, but how will its rotation look? A starting projection is below.
Jam Miller, RB 1
Some may think it is crazy to have Jam Miller over Justice Haynes as Alabama’s starting running back, but it makes sense.
Kalen DeBoer will have pass-happy offense for the Crimson Tide. Alabama looks to still have balance in the run game; however, DeBoer wants to be explosive everywhere. Miller, a former four-star, showed in 2023 how versatile he is as a runner and receiver.
He averaged nearly five yards per carry (4.9) on the ground while catching four passes for 73 yards, including a touchdown reception from Jalen Milroe on a wheel route versus Georgia in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game. Miller is becoming more vocal as a leader and dominated the spring game. He posted 83 yards rushing and two touchdowns, earning the Dixie Howell Memorial Most Valuable Player of the Game. Miller gives Milroe an extra weapon in the passing game to be special.
Justice Haynes, RB 2
Justice Haynes brings everything you want at the running back position.
He has power, speed, cutback abilities, vision, and contact balance. Haynes’ running style wears down opposing defenses.
He gave Alabama a spark against Michigan in the Rose Bowl, but Tommy Rees did not stick with giving him the ball. Haynes posted 168 yards rushing in 2023 with three scores. He plays well off Miller, so both make a strong one, two punch.
Haynes will be the bruiser and Miller will be the explosive back.
Richard Young, RB 3
Richard Young is someone that nobody needs to overlook.
The former five-star in the 2023 class had a really good spring.
Young collected a rushing touchdown as a freshman, but he possesses a skill set of explosiveness, power, speed, and pass-catching too. He will be sprinkled in throughout the offense, taking reps from Haynes and Miller. Some overlook Young, but he is no joke.
Backups
-Daniel Hill
-Kevin Riley
Summary
Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley will more than likely redshirt this season.
Both freshmen are talented and could play if needed.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
