Alabama freshman running back looking like he did as a 5-Star in return to field

EJ Crowell is looking like he did as a five-star running back ahead of the 2026 college football season, according to Kalen DeBoer.

Crowell signed with Alabama as a five-star recruit and enrolled early at the University of Alabama. Unfortunately for the Jackson, Alabama native, he missed a good portion of the spring with a soft-tissue injury.

However, the running back looks to be back making plays. DeBoer feels the running back is adjusting nicely in his return to the field.

“He did some nice things,” DeBoer said. “It was good to see him out there flying around a couple of times. You see what you saw from his high school highlights. So, you know, excited to see him. We’re not in pads right now. So a lot of that is yet to be seen. But just execution, he’s a guy who catches the ball well. I think he’s got a really good head on his shoulders. I think it’s important for him to get in there and get some reps that way, learn the offense. When he gets in there in rotation with the running backs like he was today, you know, he did his job.”

Crowell could make an early impact in Tuscaloosa this season.