Analyzing Alabama’s running back room for 2024, future

Despite losing legendary head coach Nick Saban to retirement, the Alabama Crimson Tide are still poised to be contenders not only in the SEC but also for the national championship in 2024. Outside of star quarterback Jalen Milroe, the Crimson Tide has another position on the offensive side of the ball that is stout, and that is at running back.

The Alabama running back room is filled to the brim with talented playmakers who have proven themselves worthy at the collegiate level. And recently, on the Andy Staples On3 Podcast, BamaOnLine’s Tim Watts explained what makes this group unique.

“I think that they all just have different roles; Richard Young is a guy that can grab a gear and go,” said Watts. “[He’s] kind of a straight line guy. Daniel Hill is a big, muscular guy. He’s going to move the crowd; [it] reminds you of the old fullback or Jerome Bettis-type. He’s his own tush push. And Kevin Riley, a local kid who’s got that burn. That’s not even to mention Jamarion Miller, who, to me, might be the most complete of them all outside of Justice [Haynes]. Talent wise, you’ve got them in the room.

With the style of offense newly hired head coach Kalen DeBoer ran at Washington, Watts expects the Alabama backs to thrive. And not just them; the tight ends, too. Which is why some of the names on the current list of players transferring out vexes him.

“If you’re an offensive guy, that’s why I was surprised by Amari Niblack because [of] the Washington system. If it’s not built for tight ends to have their talent exposed, I don’t know what it is. If you just watch their plays, they have so many plays drawn up for the tight ends that they’re definitely showcased… it’s a big decision for a lot of these guys, and I get the uncertainty. You know adults are uncertain. I see fans really upset [and] freaked out. Imagine being a 19-year-old; you just want answers.”

Watts takes a moment to put into perspective what could be going through the minds of players who opted for the transfer portal. Whether Niblack and the other players decide to withdraw their names and return to Alabama is a question to be answered at a later date. But their absences are unlikely to stop the Alabama running back room from reeking havoc next season under DeBoer.