Ryan Grubb tells why Alabama freshman RB is getting limited carries

Alabama football’s offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was asked about the usage of EJ Crowell on Monday.

The running back is coming off a game where he had 49 yards on three carries. The former five-star is continuing to flash why he was a five-star prospect when he has the ball in his hands, but the number of carries he is getting in each game is heading south.

Grubb explained why.

“EJ’s still growing into the game plans and there’s parts that can be difficult at times to have him on the field when he doesn’t have the whole offense down, but he’s getting there and he’s fighting his tail off to learn,” Grubb said. “And that’s as big a part as anything because he is obviously wildly effective when the ball in his hand. I thought this last week, honestly, he did a really good job on pass protection in practice and has really come around to where we can trust him in that regard. And that helps getting him in the football game. But he’s a special player and is growing every week. So, we certainly will continue to make him a bigger part of the offense.”

Crowell has rushed for 204 yards and three rushing touchdowns on 26 carries this season. He is averaging a little more than seven yards a carry.