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Alabama running back Trey Sanders working back into Tide’s rotation

On3 imageby: Tyler Mansfield11/01/21TMansfieldMedia

Alabama running back Trey Sanders is continuing to work himself back into the Crimson Tide’s rotation after a November 6, 2020 car crash forced him to miss the final stretch of the season with a hip injury. The redshirt sophomore has played in seven games in 2021 and tallied seven carries in the team’s last two contests against Mississippi State and Tennessee. 

“He’s worked really, really hard and he’s making good progress,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said during a press conference last Monday. “It was good to see him get in the game a little bit this last game [vs. Tennessee] and make a couple positive runs. I think that getting his confidence back is a big part of that. We’re going to continue to work him. He has a great attitude about what he’s trying to do, so I’m sure he’s going to just get better and better.”

This season’s production

After totaling 30 carries for 134 yards and no touchdowns through the four games he played prior to his injury last season, Trey Sanders – a former five-star recruit – has put up some solid numbers so far this year. 

Despite not receiving any handoffs in the Crimson Tide’s games against Ole Miss and Texas A&M, Sanders has still had 27 carries in five games for 129 yards and a touchdown – an average of 18.4 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry. 

In Alabama’s last two matchups with Mississippi State and Tennessee, Sanders has rushed seven times for 46 yards, with long runs of 20 and 11 yards.

A deep running back room

With Brian Robinson Jr., Roydell Williams, Jase McClellan and Trey Sanders all in the mix, Nick Saban has plenty of depth at the running back position, and that’s the reason why Alabama is averaging 171 rushing yards each outing. 

While Robinson leads the way with 706 yards and 11 touchdowns, Williams has 264 yards and a touchdown and McClellan has added 191 yards and a score.

Alongside that group of backs, Tide quarterback Bryce Young has also provided a spark with his feet this season with 40 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns.