Alabama running back drops weight ahead of spring practice

Nov 15, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Daniel Hill (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby-Imagn Images

Alabama football’s running back, Daniel Hill will be playing at a lighter weight this spring after dropping eight pounds.

Hill is among the Crimson Tide players who have dropped the most weight since last season. The Mississippi native is now listed at 6-foot-1 and 236 pounds.

Alabama listed Hill at 244 pounds last season. He stood out as one of the bigger backs in college football last fall, finishing the 2025 season with 487 all-purpose yards, six rushing touchdowns, and one touchdown reception.

Daniel Hill will enter spring practice as the likely frontrunner to start at running back for Alabama.

Will this still ring true after the spring? Here is a look at how things look for the Tide in the backfield.

READ: https://t.co/52G3QdXKpr

pic.twitter.com/7ZNzSEcNCN

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 2, 2026

The weight loss could positively impact Hill’s performance in the upcoming season. He has always been thought of as an athletic football player, with his ability to go up and get the football thanks to an impressive vertical, along with his background as a state champion in both the 100- and 300-meter hurdle events.

He flashed the ability to be a strong runner in 2025, but his lack of explosiveness as a runner at 244 pounds was also very evident last season. A drop in weight could open the door for more explosive Hill in 2026.