Kalen DeBoer has five running backs on his roster for the University of Alabama, but could a freshman have a significant contribution?
We have seen freshmen generate an impact at running back in the Nick Saban era — including Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, T.J. Yeldon, Kenyan Drake, Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, and Josh Jacobs. The Crimson Tide have a three-headed monster with Justice Haynes, Jam Miller, and Richard Young that fans are excited about this fall. A 12-team format has entered the College Football Playoff, meaning there will be more opportunities for backups to play and get reps.
If no injury happens to the top three guys in the rotation, it will be difficult for Alabama to have a freshman break in at running back.
However, if DeBoer and Robert Gillespie — the Crimson Tide’s running backs coach — choose not to redshirt its freshmen, things can get very interesting.
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According to a graphic from Pro Football Focus via On3 Sports, Kevin Riley is on the top 10 freshman running back in college football list.
Top 10 Running Back Recruits Entering College Football in 2024⭐️ pic.twitter.com/swFLmksccy
— PFF College (@PFF_College) June 13, 2024
Riley, an alumnus of Tuscaloosa (Ala.) County High School, enrolled on campus in the summer.
The Northport (Ala.) native was an unanimous four-star prospect in this recent recruiting cycle.
He originally committed to the University of Miami before flipping to the Crimson Tide. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder is incredibly explosive and was one of the top backs in the country out of high school. He rushed for 1,306 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior and was selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game and Alabama-Mississippi Allstar Game. Riley is dynamic on tape, but he did not participate in spring practice. It will be interesting to see how much attention can he gain during summer workouts and fall practice. If he is unstoppable on the field, Riley may have a shot to play quality reps as a freshman in the fall.
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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.
