What Did Kalen DeBoer See from Alabama’s Running Backs During the First Scrimmage?

Alabama's run game struggled at times last season outside of the quarterback run with Jalen Milroe. With the Crimson Tide returning its starting tailback from last season, Jam Miller, and introducing a new starting quarterback for the 2025 season, Alabama's run game is expected to be a strength of the team.

Get our free mobile app

Jam Miller is the leading guy, but behind him, Alabama has reps up for grabs after the departure of Justice Haynes to Michigan. How did the Tide's run game look during the first scrimmage of fall camp?

"I thought Jam started out really well. I thought the offensive line did a nice job creating some seams for Jam to hit. Got to the second level and broke a couple tackles. I thought it was one of the better showings I've seen Jam have in a scrimmage," DeBoer said.

DeBoer also spoke highly of Daniel Hill and Dre Washington.

"And then Daniel Hill is a guy we're getting more and more comfortable with. He's a big back, but I think he's deceiving when it comes to what he does from a skillset standpoint because he can catch the ball out of the backfield. Dre has been consistent all camp long. I thought he poured a couple balls - a couple runs up in there. Did a nice job, maybe when there's not even something there, just moving the pile and getting those three-yard gains that are important to setting your offense up for good down and distances.

Richard Young, the most likely candidate for the RB2 job, had a good day as well.

"Rich continues to do his thing, too. All of them - I think Jam certainly had the best day, and that's been consistent. Feel good about all of them in pass protection, first with their responsibilities and the ability to go up there and execute, too, and get the job done with blitzes and things like that. Our running backs are doing a nice job, and when they get out, they've been effective pass-catchers, too."

You can watch Kalen DeBoer's full press conference here.

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_.