Kevin Riley Shines in First Career Start

TUSCALOOSA, AL. - Alabama is still searching for a leading tailback in the absence of Jam Miller, who dislocated his collarbone during Alabama's second scrimmage of fall camp. Miller could return next week against the Wisconsin Badgers and should be fully healthy by the time Alabama takes on Georgia on September 27.

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Alabama might have found an unlikely answer to the Jam Miller replacement: redshirt freshman Kevin Riley.

Riley was a four-star running back recruit from Tuscaloosa County High School, less than 10 miles from Bryant-Denny Stadium. He was overlooked during Alabama's fall camp in favor of veterans on the roster, but the injury to Jam Miller during the second scrimmage opened a pathway for Riley to secure playing time.

"But he's done a good job, the last probably three weeks - four weeks. Middle of camp, he really kind of turned it up," head coach Kalen DeBoer said after Alabama's 73-0 thrashing of ULM. "There's some things that he can do that are a little different from the rest of the group there. I like the way he picks up his knees and runs hard. Inside, outside. Got a little burst. Does a nice job catching the ball out of the backfield. I think he's really picked up the understanding and responsibility when it comes to pass protection, too."

In Alabama's season-opening loss to Florida State, Riley led the team in rushing yards with 31. He got the nod over redshirt sophomore Richard Young in week two against ULM and capitalized on the moment, leading Alabama in both carries and receptions.

Riley finished the night with 69 yards on 11 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, and catching six passes for 45 yards - leading a high-powered Crimson Tide offense in total yardage with 114.

While Jam Miller could reclaim his starting spot this Saturday against Wisconsin, Riley has proven he deserves a place in the offensive rotation as a pair of fresh legs for the Crimson Tide.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.