When Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trey Sanders committed to the Tide out of high school the 5-star prospect famously boasted he would win the Heisman Trophy as a freshman. Misfortune and adversity have plagued the Florida tailback since his arrival to Tuscaloosa but he is finally ready to make an impact on the Alabama offense.

"He hasn’t been limited. He’s been doing really, really well. I don’t know how he’s gonna continue to develop and progress. But he’s worked hard. He’s doing a good job," said Alabama head coach Nick Saban. "We’re very positive and pleased with the progress that he’s made, and we’re very pleased with where he is right now. He continues to work hard and we’ll see how he continues to develop."

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Sanders medically redshirted in 2019 after suffering a season-ending foot injury. He returned for the beginning of 2020 but was in an unfortunate car accident on the team's BYE week that caused him to miss the remainder of the season. There was speculation initially that the lingering effects of the car accident could have forced Sanders out of football.

“It feels great having Trey back out there just knowing the situation he went through. We stood by his side throughout that whole process, and he kept his down and he kept working all the way up to this point. It’s a good feeling to have him back out there," said Alabama senior running back Brian Robinson. "He’s happy. He’s feeling a lot better. The main goal for him is to get him as close to 100 percent as we can before the season starts. He’s a great addition to our running back room, and we would love to see him have the opportunity to play.”

Sanders rushed for 134 yards on 30 carries in the COVID-altered 2020 season. Sandrs will compete with Robinson, Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams and Camar Wheaton for snaps and carries in the 2021 season.

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