Alabama’s running backs may be as talented as they have been in nearly half a decade entering the 2024 season. While the Tide lacks established output, players such as Jam Miller and Justice Haynes have demonstrated enough dynamic ability to make Bama supporters anxious to see them in larger roles.
Last season, both guys played sparingly behind Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, but the younger combination was certainly more dynamic. As a true freshman in 2023, Haynes averaged 6.7 yards per run, while Miller averaged 6.8 yards per tote the year before.
This combo should see the majority of Alabama’s backfield snaps this fall and has the potential to dominate college football. This unit may be disregarded by national media outlets, but it has the potential to be among the greatest in the country.
1. Jam Miller (junior).
Miller is the program’s seasoned veteran, having entered his third year. In two seasons, he has 496 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns, including a receiving touchdown in last year’s SEC Championship game.
Jam Miller is a highly physical runner who maintains a low pad level and thrives on one-cut opportunities. His blue-collar attitude and desire for contact were on full display both on offense and special teams last season, when he became one of Alabama’s finest kick coverage players and even received a targeting penalty in one game.
2. Justice Haynes (sophomore)
Haynes has the greatest raw skill in the room and could easily be RB1. He also possesses highly promising intangibles. Justice, the son of former NFL running back Verron Haynes, works relentlessly on his profession and chose to stay in Tuscaloosa when others transferred earlier in the offseason.
In 2023, he rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns on just 25 attempts. While he was arguably the most dynamic ball carrier on the squad, the subtleties of the position appeared to keep him off the field. Ideally, he will enter year two as a significantly improved all-around player in terms of pass protection, ball security, and other aspects.
While Justice Haynes shares characteristics with Jam Miller (low center of gravity, physicality, and quickness), he also possesses a unique skill set. Haynes may be the most shifty player in this position group, and he is quite comfortable as a pass-catcher, which makes him even more dangerous. The sophomore exudes superstar traits, and there is excitement in the air whenever he touches the ball. I expect him to make a lot of big plays for Alabama this year
3. Richard Young (redshirt freshman)
Richard Young, a former 5-star running back and one of the most sought-after prospects in the 2023 class, exemplifies Alabama’s backfield depth. The redshirt freshman is undoubtedly capable of carrying a greater load at this point, but Alabama shouldn’t need him to, with Miller and Haynes leading the way.
Having said that, Young is likely to be one of college football’s top third-string running backs. He should earn respectable snaps in that role and will provide a welcome change of pace for the Tide
4. Daniel Hill (freshman)
Hill is one of two running backs signed by the Crimson Tide in 2024. At nearly 240 pounds, he offers a completely different dynamic to this room and might be used in short yardage scenarios this season.
However, Daniel Hill is more than your usual goal line back, and he will prove it as he grows. He is a very fluid athlete and a terrific pass-catcher, and I feel he will play a variety of roles in this offense in the future
5. Kevin Riley (freshman)
Riley is a Tuscaloosa County product with exceptional speed. As a summer enrollee, he is likely to redshirt this season. Riley is a very excellent player with a lot of promise, but he enters a crowded running back room and did not have the benefit of attending spring practice, so an adjustment time will be required.
Overall, Alabama’s running back situation should improve. The unit as a whole appears to be a dangerous weapon for the Crimson Tide offense.
