ESPN lists Alabama running back as the No. 4 freshman in SEC poised to make impact

EJ Crowell was listed as the No. 4 freshman in the SEC ahead of the 2026 season by ESPN’s Billy Tucker.

Crowell is a former five-star running back, and he is a product of Jackson High School in Alabama. He looks to be on pace to compete for playing time in Tuscaloosa this fall.

Kalen DeBoer complimented Crowell on his return the field in fall camp after he missed some of spring practice with a soft-tissue injury.

“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.”

Daniel Hill, who is expected to start at running back for the Tide in 2026, said he has seen Crowell respond well to early adversity.

“ You know, coming in, highly touted.” Hill said. “He was dinged up a little bit, and you could see it frustrated him. But he got through that, he had a great summer and he’s had a good two days of practice.”

Multiple Alabama running backs are looking to get on the field this season.