After a dreadful season on the ground in 2025, it looks like the Alabama Crimson Tide are stockpiling their running backs in hopes to find a spark from the run game.
When you think of Alabama running backs, what do you envision?
Because for years, the Bama Standard included heavy hitting backs like Najee Harris, Mark Ingram, and Derrick Henry who not only possessed the physicality, but the finesse to be among the best.
Meet running back Ezavier Crowell, out of Jackson, AL, who was originally a member of the 2027 class, but then reclassified to 2026.
And after one of the best seasons in high school football, Crowell was recently named the top running back in not just the state of Alabama, but the nation.
Just yesterday, 247Sports unveiled its most recent rankings, and it was revealed that Crowell overtook Michigan commit Savion Hiter as the top back.
For Alabama, Crowell’s addition fills a hole that has been wide open since Jahmyr Gibbs left for the NFL.
A speedy, aggressive, and violent run game.
Which is why the addition of Crowell is so important.
The Crimson Tide came off their worst rushing season in 30 years, averaging only 3.5 yards per carry and 104 yards per game – the lowest since 1995.
Crowell was a step ahead of his age group, winning Mr. Football in Alabama and posting a season where he rushed for 2,620 yards, 35 touchdowns, and then capped off his season with a 304-yard, five touchdown performance in the state championship.
Crowell brings traits Alabama simply hasn’t had since Gibbs: burst, contact balance, and home-run speed. But not only that, his low center of gravity makes him incredibly difficult to take down.
Part of being a top running back is also welcoming contact, and last year’s starter Jam Miller, didn’t have that desire for the crunch of the pads.
Similarly, running back Daniel Hill, who would be the veteran of the 2026 running back room, is built like a bowling ball sitting at 240 pounds, but needs to work on running through contact.
Crowell, on the other hand, not only has the breakaway speed necessary, and can run through the trenches without a fear in the world.
Given all those traits, he’ll still need to earn his keep. It will be Hill’s job to lose and redshirt freshman AK Dear will also get an extended look.
However, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb seems to think Crowell will be a focal point of Alabama’s offense next season.
After this past season, a lack of a run game exposed many of Alabama’s weaknesses. Can a reclassified true freshman really revitalize an entire run game?
Pay attention to the first few snaps of his career. Crowell has the opportunity to be the tone setter for the season.
No pressure, kid.
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