Alabama Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb Evaluates Running Back Daniel Hill’s Performance

During the Crimson Tide's 23-21 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday evening, Alabama's run game showed a heartbeat after being pronounced dead all season long. Alabama sophomore running back Daniel Hill carried the football 15 times, gaining 60 yards, and scoring two touchdowns against Oklahoma.

Get our free mobile app

The Tide's run game still hasn't been anything worth writing home about, but Hill's 60 yards were the most by a single player for Alabama since Jam Miller rushed for 85 yards in Alabama's 27-24 victory over Missouri. Hill's efforts against Oklahoma were also the fourth most by an Alabama rusher in a single game this season, and his two touchdowns were the first time this season that one Alabama player ran for two scores in a single game.

On the season, Hill has carried the football 44 times for 164 yards and four touchdowns. He's also caught 14 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown on the season. Hill hasn't yet uprooted senior Jam Miller for the starting running back position, but he has provided fresh legs and showcased that he deserves more reps in Alabama's offense.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has taken note of Hill's efforts.

"Yeah, he's growing. Everything you want from young players. All of the guys are competing for playing time. That's the most valuable thing to them is getting on the field to show that they can help the team," Grubb said on Monday. "And for Daniel, he's certainly done that. He wasn't perfect, just like any player, he's working to try to get better things. But, you know, I think he's shown the capability of being the guy who can get those tough yards."

With the Crimson Tide's offensive line struggling the way it has this season, a big-bodied running back who can withstand contact and fall forward for a couple of yards every carry might be just what Alabama needs to revive the third-worst rushing offense in the SEC.

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_.