Get to Know Alabama’s Running Backs Behind Jam Miller

The news after Alabama's second scrimmage on Saturday wasn't what Crimson Tide fans hoped to hear, with reports from Saturday indicating that starting running back Jam Miller suffered a season-altering injury that will keep him out for multiple games to start the 2025 season. On Sunday morning, head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed Miller's injury in a statement he released.

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"Jam Miller suffered an upper-body injury in Saturday’s scrimmage and went in for a procedure on Saturday evening. Jam should recover fully with a timetable for his return yet to be determined," the statement read.

Last season, Miller rushed for 668 yards and seven touchdowns as Alabama's leader at running back. With Miller out, the Crimson Tide will turn to depth on the roster in the run game. Who are the likely candidates? Let's get to know Alabama's depth at running back, who will now see increased playing time for the initial portion of the season.

Richard Young - Redshirt Sophomore

Young was the third running back in Alabama's 2024 depth chart. With the departure of Justice Haynes to Michigan, Young stepped into the RB2 role for the Tide's bowl game against Michigan and was poised to see an increased workload in Alabama's 2025 offense. Last season, Young rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns. If he can cement himself as Alabama's placeholder at running back until Miller's return, his physical run style should make offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb happy.

Daniel Hill - Sophomore

Daniel Hill is the biggest running back on Alabama's roster, standing at 6-foot-1 and 244 pounds. He's a bruiser, but did not showcase breakaway speed during his freshman campaign in 2024 (albeit on a minimal sample size). Hill primarily played mop-up duty for the Tide last season, rushing for 61 yards and one touchdown. In spring, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb thought Daniel Hill "stood out as much as anybody."

The positive buzz around Hill has continued throughout fall camp, with reports indicating he's pushing, if not already surpassed, Richard Young for the next spot on the depth chart. It's hard not to get excited about a running back with that size. Hill is one inch shorter and eight pounds lighter than former Crimson Tide Heisman winner Derrick Henry.

Dre Washington - Redshirt Senior

Washington transferred to Alabama after spending the previous four seasons with the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns. In his four seasons with the Cajuns, Washington rushed for 1,343 yards and nine touchdowns. He boasts game-breaking speed and is now the lone (healthy) veteran presence in the running back room until Miller returns. Washington has flown under the radar a bit with Miller's command of RB1 during fall camp and the emergence of Daniel Hill, but he still has a ton of value to add to the running back room.

AK Dear - Freshman

Dear was a highly touted prospect for the Crimson Tide in the 2024 recruiting class, ranked as a four-star prospect. The Quitman, Mississippi, native was a star in high school, rushing for 2,016 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in 2023. Although he is only a true freshman, he brings elite speed and shiftiness to the running back room. Dear may be forced into action earlier than expected with the injury to Miller, but his potential is exciting.

Kevin Riley - Redshirt Freshman

Riley, a Tuscaloosa native, saw action in two games for Alabama last season, rushing for 30 yards on 10 carries. He's another back for the Crimson Tide that flashes good potential, but has a limited sample size. While Riley is lower on the projected depth chart than some other backs, he can carve out a role for himself with big performances when given his opportunity.

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_.