Nick Saban compliments Alabama running backs

At Monday’s press conference ahead of Alabama’s major matchup against the Florida Gators head coach Nick Saban fielded questions on the team’s preparation for the game. During his time with the media, Saban highlighted and praised a few of his young running backs play so far.

Saban on their progress

“I think they’ve done well… I think that we missed a couple of reads, you know in the game,” said Saban of Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and Trey Sanders. “We could have had much more positive plays… cut something back that we shouldn’t have, didn’t hit it downhill when we should have. But I think these are the things that I’m talking about that are good learning experiences for these guys.”

With most young players some growing pains are to be expected when coming into a new system and acclimating yourself to it. Jase McClellan, Roydell Williams, and Trey Sanders are all sophomores on the teams and still trying to figure things out concerning the Saban way. But when given the chance on the field each has shown promise in their own right. So far Sanders has rushed 15 times for 71 yards and a touchdown, with the most touches and yards out of the three. Right behind him is McClellan with 13 carries, 49 yards, and a touchdown. Bringing up the rear is Williams with 10 carries and 29 yards.

They have combined for 149 of the team’s rushing yards and two of the three rushing touchdowns so far. Alabama appears to be taking a running back by committee approach this season after losing Najee Harris to the NFL this offseason. Senior Brain Robinson Jr. currently leads the team in carries and yards with 22 carries for 130 yards.

“Jase played really well in a game… Trey and Roydell are both getting and more experience. so I’m kinda pleased with the way those guys are coming along,” Saban said, concluding his take on Alabama’s young backs.

McClellan and Sanders both turned in nice opening performances against the Miami Hurricanes. Sanders had eight rushes for 41 yards and a touchdown — 20 of his 41 came on the touchdown run. McClellan added nine carries for 36 yards, with a run for 15 of them.

This week’s game will be down in Gainesville, Flordia against their rival from the SEC East. Florida has jumped out to a good start beating two other in-state schools with their high-powered rushing attack. The Crimson Tide will look to match the Gators’ strong rushing game with one of their own. If these three can string together another solid outing, Nick Saban may have more praises to sing come the following week and likely a new set of criticisms, too, as is the Saban way.