Alabama football has a one, two punch at running back that is averaging over six yards per carry and combine for 12 of the Crimson Tide’s 28 rushing touchdowns.
Fans want more of Justice Haynes and Jam Miller, but it is good to see another back getting stronger at the right time.
Why discipline is so vital for Alabama in its matchup against LSU
Richard Young, a former five-star, has battled through some injuries as a second-year player.
A native Floridian, he came in Alabama’s 2023 recruiting class with Haynes.
The 5-foot-11, 216-pounder grew in physicality in the spring, recording a touchdown and showing improvement in pass protection on A-Day.
Young got banged up versus Wisconsin, but he had a marquee moment last week against Missouri.
He exploded for a 62-yard run late in the fourth quarter after the Tide’s defense pitched a goal line stand. Young fit through the hole perfectly, made a defender miss, and excited teammates on his run.
He has 12 carries for 87 yards, but the second half of the Tide’s season could see him make an impact.
Robert Gillespie, Alabama’s running backs coach, highlighted Young in Wednesday’s media availability.
“He did a really good job of one, getting us out of the end zone,” Gillespie said.
“When you are backed up like that, the main thing is to get the ball out so if you have to punt, you are in a good position to do it. He did a really good job, trusting the line, squeezing through, and making a guy miss at the next level. So, it was exciting to see him make the last guy miss. He’s been fighting through bunch of injuries so to see him get in the game and make a play like that … you could look on the sideline and see how excited they were for him. I was glad for him to be able to make that kind of play.”
Why discipline is so vital for Alabama in its matchup against LSU
Gillespie noted Young is getting back to speed in his rehab.
“He has done a really good job in the training room,” Gillespie said.
“We are introducing him to a little bit more practice and it was good to see him get into the game.”
Bo Scarbrough, a former Alabama standout, endured injuries at running back.
When he was healthy, Scarbrough dominated the second half of the season — punishing opponents. His physicality brought something that complemented Najee Harris, Damien Harris, and Josh Jacobs in the 2016 season. Alabama won a Southeastern Conference Championship on Scarbrough’s late surge and made it to the College Football Playoff. He returned in 2017 with his toughness, helping the Tide capture a College Football Playoff National Championship with 596 rushing yards and eight scores.
Young has the same ability to take over games in the second half.
It is good for him to be healthy now.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
