Richard Young is Showing Growth and Physicality in Alabama’s Backfield

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - As spring practice continues in Tuscaloosa, one name generating quiet buzz is running back Richard Young. After working through injuries during his freshman campaign, Young is starting to show signs of growth and physical maturity that could elevate him in the next season.

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“He’s more physical, a physical back. He got his carries today just like the rest of them. I want to continue to see him grow. The offseason this summer is going to be important for him. He worked through some injuries last year and we worked through that part in the winter phase," said DeBoer when asked what he's seen from Young during the spring.

The message is clear: Young has the tools and physicality that is displayed among SEC-caliber backs, but consistency, durability, and continued development will be key for him to carve out a larger role.

Last season, injuries limited Young's opportunities, and much of the winter was spent getting him back to full health. Now, with the spring in full swing, he has the opportunity to stand out among the running back corps.

“I think times when they [running back corps] can get their yards when they need to, put their heads down. I think that’s a strength of his and I think as a corps, as a group, they can all try to do just a little bit more, like maybe when the perfect block isn’t in play, which is going to happen when you’re playing in an SEC game in particular. It’s hard to block and so you have to make some things happen. Want to see this whole group continue to improve in yards after contact, making people miss out in space, and not letting that first guy bring you down," said DeBoer

That physical edge might be Young's calling card. The SEC is also known to boast elite defenses and brutal front sevens, which is why having a back who can put their head down and get tough yards matters.

So far, Young has shown great flashes of growth. Still, there's more work ahead, not just for Young but for the entire running back group.“I think all the running backs in general breaking some tackles, making more explosive plays," said DeBoer when discussing growth areas for the running backs. The emphasis this offseason will be on breaking tackles, creating yards after contact, and turning short gains into explosive plays.