UA Legend Praises Freshman RB: "He's gonna be something special"

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Just ten days out from the beginning of Alabama's 2026-2027 campaign, Alabama legend running back Shaun Alexander hopped on The Game with Ryan Fowler on Tide 100.9.

During his time at Alabama, Alexander rushed for 3,433 yards and 40 touchdowns across four seasons. His 1999 campaign saw him tally 1,383 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground, earning the SEC Player of the Year award and a spot on the All-American first team.

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Alexander went on to play eight seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Seattle Seahawks. Notably winning the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2005.

The discussion turned to highly touted freshman running back EJ Crowell, and Alexander had plenty of praise for the Jackson, Ala., native.

"Like, this kid can play," said Alexander of Crowell. "We expect him to be explosive and play with a lot of personality, a lot of attitude, and go do something special. And it's kind of the same thing: whenever you get a guy that can get his feet going and be explosive in the holes, then you've got a chance to do something really, really good. So I think he's that guy."

Crowell rushed for 2,094 yards and 28 touchdowns on just 158 carries in the regular season during his junior campaign before reclassifying following the season to join the Crimson Tide a year early. Crowell's efforts in 2025 earned him the Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year Award.

Crowell's availability for week one versus East Carolina is in flux after his spring and fall camps were both cut short due to injuries, but it isn't expected to be a long-term issue.

Crowell is set to help revitalize an Alabama rushing attack that struggled to find consistency and efficiency a year ago.

Listen to Ryan Fowler's full interview with Shaun Alexander on the Tide 100.9 SoundCloud!

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