During Alabama’s 2025 spring practices, ESPN highlighted the running back position as a critical area of focus for the Crimson Tide. With the departure of quarterback Jalen Milroe to the NFL and running back Justice Haynes transferring to Michigan, the team sought to reestablish a more traditional rushing attack. ESPN noted that the running back depth chart was wide open, with several players vying for significant roles. The coaching staff, led by offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, aimed to identify at least two or three backs who could consistently contribute in the upcoming season .(ESPN.com)
Jam Miller: The Experienced Leader
Senior Jam Miller entered spring practice as the leading returning rusher for Alabama. In the previous season, he accumulated 668 yards and seven touchdowns. Despite his experience, Miller faced challenges, particularly towards the end of the season, where he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry and failed to score in his final five games. ESPN emphasized that Miller needed to elevate his performance to solidify his position as the team’s primary running back .(ESPN.com, Bama Hammer, Touchdown Alabama)
Richard Young: The Rising Contender
Redshirt sophomore Richard Young, entering his third year at Alabama, was poised to challenge for a prominent role in the running back rotation. After battling injuries in the previous season, Young showcased his potential with a notable 62-yard run against Missouri. ESPN highlighted his ability to push for the No. 2 spot and possibly contend for the starting position, depending on his performance during spring practices .(Touchdown Alabama, Bama Hammer)
Dre Washington: The Transfer with Experience
Graduate transfer Dre Washington from Louisiana added depth and experience to Alabama’s running back corps. In the previous season, he averaged 6.5 yards per carry, totaling 478 rushing yards. ESPN noted that while stepping up to the SEC level would be a significant challenge, Washington’s experience made him an intriguing option to compete for playing time .(Roll ‘Bama Roll, Bama Hammer)
Akylin Dear: The Freshman Sensation
Freshman Akylin Dear, ranked as the nation’s No. 2 running back prospect in the 2025 class, was one of the most anticipated newcomers. At 6 feet tall and weighing 205 pounds, Dear possessed a combination of size and agility that made him a standout during spring drills. ESPN described him as a “crafty runner” with excellent short-area acceleration and the power to break through arm tackles. While his breakaway speed was a question mark, his polished running style and ability to read blocks made him a promising prospect for immediate playing time .(ESPN.com, Roll ‘Bama Roll)
Spring Practice Observations
During the early days of spring practice, reports indicated that Jam Miller appeared comfortable leading the running back group, with freshman Daniel Hill showing smooth athleticism behind him. Akylin Dear was noted for his athleticism and fit within the group, while Dre Washington’s experience added a seasoned presence to the unit .(SI)
Conclusion
ESPN’s coverage of Alabama’s running back situation during and after the 2025 spring practices underscored the importance of this position in the team’s offensive strategy. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, Alabama aimed to establish a reliable and dynamic running game to complement its evolving offense. The competition within the running back room was expected to intensify as the season approached, with several players vying for significant roles in the Crimson Tide’s backfield.(ESPN.com, Bama Hammer)
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