Alabama’s Running Back Room Has ‘Scary’ Talent

Alabama's offensive line sees the concern with the Crimson Tide's run game from the 2025 season. Crimson Tide third-year offensive lineman William Sanders joined Gary Harris on Tide 100.9 on Tuesday morning, expressing confidence in the Crimson Tide's run game and in the talent in the running back room, with three returning players and two incoming freshmen.

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"Honestly, it's a little scary how talented we are," Sanders told Harris on Tuesday morning. "Just at running back, you have such a wide variety - strength guys, speed guys. That's the thing. Everyone is fast. Everyone is strong. We're definitely a set-apart group when it comes to running backs.

"Everyone wants to make sure everyone gets the ball. Everyone makes sure they see each other make the big play, and honestly - they say it all the time - at the end of the day, it's a team, a family, and they have that mentality."

Alabama returned three running backs from last season in Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear, who combined for 648 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. The Crimson Tide also signed two true freshmen: five-star EJ Crowell and three-star Trae'Shawn Brown. While Crowell garnered much of the hype after signing with Alabama, he missed most of spring practice with a right calf injury. Despite the injury, Crowell's talent jumps off the page, but it was Trae'Shawn Brown who delivered in spring practice with highlight plays, including a handful during Alabama's A-Day scrimmage, making big plays in the run game and receiving game with power and elusiveness.

"He had a great spring," Sanders said of Brown. "Honestly, being able to watch him just grow and make crazy plays throughout spring was awesome. Great attitude, too. Ready to work. Great joking guy - he'll mess around with you. Overall, he's awesome."

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_.