Alabama 244-pound running back possesses unique skill set

3/31/25 MFB Spring practice Alabama Running Back Daniel Hill (4) Photo by Kent Gidle

Alabama football’s 6-foot-1, 244-pound running back, Daniel Hill is built like a punishing runner set to run through whoever has the audacity to stand in front of him.

However, his skill set is a bit more complex than your typical bruiser of a tailback.

Alabama’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb detailed the Mississippi product’s unique abilities after the spring, and it personified what made the talented back a top prospect, coming out of Meridian High School.

“Daniel Hill, I thought was one of the guys that maybe stood out as much as anybody this spring,” Grubb said. “I thought he really did a nice job. Physical runner, very nimble for how big he is, can stick his foot in the ground and get vertical, excellent pass catcher out of the backfield, showed a lot of toughness throughout spring. I thought he really showed up quite a bit and improved as much as anybody out there.”

Touchdown Alabama had the pleasure of watching Hill line up for Meridian during his senior season of high school football, and he flashed all of those traits as one of the most sure-handed running backs ever evaluated by the TDA staff. He also displayed an impressive vertical and an ability to be light on his feet as a bigger running back.

 

4 ⭐️ Daniel Hill @d1danny3 is one of the most sure-handed backs I have covered.

Every ball thrown his way within arms reach was brought in. Also Impressive vertical for a 200 pounder.

Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina pushing hard for him. More coming to @TDAlabamaMag. pic.twitter.com/VGDu6QJbSt

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) August 25, 2023

The former four-star is now capitalizing on a big spring and is pushing to earn meaningful snaps for the Tide in the upcoming season.

Kalen DeBoer provided a positive update on Hill after Alabama’s first scrimmage on Saturday.

“Daniel Hill is a guy we’re getting more and more comfortable with,” DeBoer said. “He’s a big back, but I think it’s deceiving what he does from a skill set standpoint because he can catch the ball out of the backfield.”

This is not the first time Alabama has spoken highly about Hill’s hands out of the backfield. Grubb shined a light on him during one of his most recent media availability.

“I think Daniel is showing the physicality that we thought with exceptional hands,” Grubb said.

Alabama could feature three running backs on a consistent basis during the upcoming season. Will Hill be one of those running backs?

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