‘Sky Is the Limit’: Grubb on Crowell After Day 2 of Fall Camp

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- Alabama heads into the 2026 season with a renewed focus on fixing its ground game after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The Crimson Tide ranked just 123rd nationally in rushing yards per game (104.1), finishing second to last in the SEC, with only LSU behind them.

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Juniors Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley anchor the backfield, with AK Dear entering his sophomore season poised for a larger role. The addition of five-star freshman EJ Crowell injects fresh talent and high expectations into the group. The Tide will need to replace production from senior Jam Miller, who led the team with 504 rushing yards last season, while Hill and Riley contributed 284 and 227 yards, respectively.

After Day Two of Fall camp, Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb offered his clearest look yet at the room.

EJ Crowell, Freshman (Reclassified from 2027 class)

Crowell, who reclassified from the 2027 class and was named Alabama’s Mr. Football as a senior, is finally getting meaningful reps after missing most of the spring with a right calf injury. Grubb has been impressed by the freshman’s explosiveness and work ethic as fall camp unfolds.

“EJ’s young, super explosive, runs out over his toes, has good bounce. He’s thick with the ball. He runs physical; he runs bigger than he is. He’s got speed in the long end.” Grubb added, “He’s just got to learn the game; he’s got to learn how to practice full speed all the time. He’s a great kid, you know; he wants to do it. He loves being here. He’s an Alabama guy, but he’s physical, he’s tough, he’s got great hands. Sky is the limit for him, but he’s got to learn the game; he’s gotta know how to practice, and he’s got a good shot.”

The talented freshman is making an immediate impact this fall, striving to mirror his senior year at Jackson, where he rushed for 2,632 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Daniel Hill, Junior

Hill, last year’s second-leading rusher, enters the fall as Alabama’s likely No. 1 back. Grubb emphasized, “It starts with him.”

“Daniel Hill, you know, is a guy that I think people are going to be really impressed with the transformation that, you know, Daniel’s had with his body. He’s been really lean in the 230s, you know, low 230s, even in the high 220s.” Grubb said, “He runs different, he’s got good agility, he’s got great command of the offense. He’s super intelligent, excellent pass blocker, I think it starts with him.”

Hill’s sophomore season was below expectations, with just 284 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 3.8 yards per carry. With more experience and a bigger workload on the horizon, he’s poised for a breakout as a junior after only 75 carries last year.

Kevin Riley, Junior

After suffering a broken jaw at the end of last season, Kevin Riley enters fall camp fully healthy and eager for a breakout junior year. While Grubb’s comments were brief, he expressed strong confidence in Riley’s potential.

“Kevin Riley coming back from a broken jaw has put the weight on.” Grubb said, “He’s explosive with the football in his hand.”

Last season, Riley managed only 224 rushing yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore, but he’s motivated to make a bigger impact this year.

Grubb highlighted AK Dear, who made the most of limited opportunities as a freshman, rushing 19 times for 140 yards and three touchdowns, averaging an impressive 7.4 yards per carry. He also singled out Tre’shawn Brown, a late addition to the 2026 class, noting that the three-star freshman has made an impact in fall camp.

“AK’s been making a ton of progress.” Grubb added, “[Tre’shawn] Brown’s made an impact as well, so I think we got a lot of weapons in that room. It’s highly competitive. The guys know that every rep counts and they’ve been prepping that way.”

Alabama opens the 2026 season at home against East Carolina on September 5th, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide content.