How Alabama football’s running backs are looking ahead of Florida State

Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Richard Young (9) attempts to stiff arm Missouri Tigers safety Sidney Williams (3) as linebacker Nicholas Rodriguez (20) dives to stop him during the fourth quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Will McLelland-Imagn Images

Alabama football will have to run the football with a group of unproven running backs for the most part to open the 2025 season.

With Jam Miller out, it is up to Richard Young, Daniel Hill, Dre Washington and company to carry the load out of the backfield.

Alabama’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has noticed this group has embraced this challenge so far.

“I think they’ve really embraced the next man up mentality and exactly what you expect out of a couple guys that have been here at Alabama for a couple of years,” Grubb said on Monday. “So, I don’t think there’s necessarily anything that’s like earth-shattering that they’re doing, but I think they’re excited about the opportunity.”

Snap distribution out of the backfield will be a major focus while watching the Tide early in the season. It is a group with multiple question marks with DeBoer and his staff searching for someone to create separation with Miller out.

“Just looking for someone to separate themselves,” DeBoer said last week. “That’s really the situation, and I feel like Jam was certainly at a higher level than these guys. I know they’re hungry, and they want to do it. They got to show us. It’s not just one area, it’s all phases. It’s running the ball, it’s pass protection. It’s just all of those things combined. So, again, each guy’s got some tools, got some things that they can do but need them to stand out because there’s kind of a log jam there. And each of them have their strengths, and they all can fit into the offense in some form or fashion.”

Alabama remains hopeful it can get production out of the backfield with Miller out.

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