Alabama freshman running back willing to wait to be developed

Alabama football’s freshman running back, Ezavier Crowell is excited about his potential opportunity to play early for the Crimson Tide.

The Tide lost its most experienced running back, Jam Miller to the NFL Draft along with Dre Washington. Richard Young departed from the Tide and transferred to Colorado. Those moves have created an opportunity for Crowell to make an early impact in Tuscaloosa.

Crowell is looking forward to possibly taking advantage of this opportunity, but his biggest emphasis is on development.

“It means a lot to me, like, I love them guys like they’re my brothers,” Crowell told Touchdown Alabama when asked about the opportunity to play early in Tuscaloosa. “It would take me to work hard, learn the playbook, and pass block. Then if I can get those things down pat, I can play. If I don’t play early, it don’t matter. I’m just here to keep developing. Hopefully my sophomore year, junior year, and senior year I can take over.”

“If I don’t play early, it don’t matter. I’m just here to keep developing. Hopefully my sophomore year, junior year and senior year I can take over.

Alabama freshman RB Ezavier Crowell on potentially playing early in Tuscaloosa. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/NYZ0Et9QSP

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) January 20, 2026

The Alabama freshman earned the 2025 Alabama Mr. Football Award on Tuesday after he rushed for 2,362 yards and 35 touchdowns during his last season at Jackson High School.

“It means a lot,” Crowell said. “Last year just watching KJ (Lacey) winning, so I said, ‘I’m gonna be him, and I’m gonna win it, too.”

Crowell will go through the Tide’s full off-season program as a member of the team after enrolling earlier this month.