What dropping weight opens door for Daniel Hill to achieve?

Photo comes via The Oklahoman

He remains the “Heavy D” of Alabama’s running back room, yet he is moving lighter in spring practice.

Reporters saw something different at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility last week, following a Crimson Tide session. Their jaws dropped as they witnessed a third-year running back move with agility, quickness, a sudden burst, and profound cuts.

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Daniel Hill ran defenders over last season, but now he can blow by them.

The junior from Meridian (Miss.) made a commitment to his body in the offseason program – dropping eight pounds. Now at 236 pounds, Hill maintains power and now adds speed to create more value as an every down back.

Alabama running back Daniel Hill moving at eight pounds lighter. @TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/7y1yToiLOw

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) March 12, 2026

He played 14 games in 2025 – including three starts – totaling 284 rushing yards, 203 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns.

Hill carried a team-high six rushing scores and was the best option.

He patterns his game after Derrick Henry, but dropping bad weight could help him accomplish some things the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner did not do in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Below are the opportunities Hill can now achieve at a lower weight.

Become a home run threat in the run game

The difference between a 3-yard run and having multiple 10-plus yard runs consistently is how quickly one can press a hole and jump to the next level.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.