GIF recap: A look at Kevin Riley’s big plays in first Alabama start

Sep 6, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama running back Kevin Riley (28) runs the ball behind a block by lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) during the game with UL Monroe at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Imagn Images

The smallest scholarship back in Alabama’s backfield is putting up the biggest numbers so far this season. Following a solid performance in the Crimson Tide’s opener, Kevin Riley dazzled in his first career start, piling up 114 yards on 17 touches (six receptions, 11 carries) during Alabama’s 73-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe over the weekend. 

Riley, a redshirt freshman, earned the start as Jam Miller is still recovering from a collarbone injury he suffered during preseason camp. Miller could return as early as this week’s game against Wisconsin. While the senior is set to step back into Alabama’s starting role, Riley has currently made the best case to be the Tide’s No. 2 option moving forward. 

“He’s done a good job the last probably three weeks, four weeks,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said following the win over ULM. “The middle of camp, he really kind of turned it up. There are some things he can do that are a little different than the rest of the group there. I like when he picks up his knees and runs hard. Inside, outside. Got a little burst. Does a nice job catching the ball out of the backfield. I think he’s really picked up understanding and responsibility when it comes to pass protection, too.”

Riley ripped off five plays of 10 or more yards over the weekend. Here’s a breakdown of each of them. 

First-and-10 from the Alabama 37-yard line | 14:01, 1Q 

Riley wasted no time setting the tone on Saturday night. His first touch came on a handoff out of the shotgun, as he followed a block from H-back Josh Cuevas up the middle. 

Cuevas did an excellent job of picking up linebacker Seidrion Langston, while left tackle Kadyn Proctor plowed defensive lineman Kevontay Wells to his right to open up a big hole for Riley. From there, the 5-foot-11, 191-pound back shot through the opening like a cannonball, breaking a leg tackle on the second level before carrying defensive back Korian Wilson 7 yards past the first-down marker for a 22-yard gain. According to Pro Football Focus, Riley gained 46 of his 67 rushing yards after contact. 

“He ran fearless,” Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson said. “He didn’t have any fear whatsoever. He put his head down, ran, he’s elusive in the backfield. He’s going to help us a lot, especially when we get Jam back.”