Alabama's Weirdness With EJ Crowell Receives Update

When Alabama Crimson Tide running back EJ Crowell has touched the ball this season, he has been electrifying.

Crowell has carried the rock 26 times for 204 yards and three touchdowns, averaging a hefty 7.8 yards per attempt. That's, by far, the best efficiency on the team.

So why isn't Crowell seeing more playing time?

The five-star freshman toted the ball just three times against Mississippi State this past Saturday, finishing with 49 yards. He has maxed out at seven rushing attempts in any one individual game this season.

What's the deal?

Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb explained the lack of usage regarding Crowell, and it's exactly what you would expect a coach to say about a first-year player.

“EJ’s still growing into the game plans," Grubb said. "There’s parts that are difficult at times to have him on the field when he doesn’t have the whole offense down. But he’s getting there, and he’s fighting his tail off to learn.”

In other words, Crowell is still very inexperienced and doesn't quite have a full grasp of the Crimson Tide's offense just yet.

It also doesn't help Crowell's case that he is competing for touches with Daniel Hill and Trae'Shawn Brown, both of whom have also rushed for over 200 yards through the first five weeks and have combined for 93 attempts.

Crowell, though, is particularly special.

The Jackson, Al. native was the top-ranked running back and the 18th-ranked player overall in the class of 2026, and the hype surrounding him was palpable heading into his debut campaign at Tuscaloosa.

At 5-foot-11, 224 pounds, Crowell is a load to bring down in the open field, but in spite of his size, he possesses tremendous athleticism and burst.

Alabama currently ranks seventh in the SEC in rushing, but it's certainly not due to a lack of talent in its backfield.

If anything, the Crimson Tide have a surplus of halfbacks, and it's actually surprising that Brown, a fellow freshman, has basically usurped Crowell on the depth chart.

You have to wonder if Alabama will ultimately see a shakeup at the position after the season, with so many players vying for playing time.

We didn't even mention AK Dear, who missed time over the summer and early in the season due to an injury and has logged just two carries in two games thus far.

The Crimson Tide will host the Georgia Bulldogs this Saturday. We'll see how they allocate touches to their running backs this time around.