DeBoer details what he has seen from Alabama football’s running backs after first scrimmage

Kalen DeBoer was asked about Alabama football’s running backs Friday after the Crimson Tide completed its first scrimmage of the spring.

The Tide’s rushing attack was abysmal at times during the 2025 football season. This output has placed pressure on DeBoer and company to have a more effective run game during the upcoming season. DeBoer shared his thoughts on how the running backs have fared this spring.

“I thought AK (Dear) had a couple of nice runs in there,” DeBoer said. “All of them got to continue to grow and get better. Daniel’s (Hill) been consistent. I think he’s taken advantage of just kind of having an offseason to lean up. A year ago, really from the previous ’24 season, was still dinged up, had to have surgery. We knew it during spring ball, had to have it after. I think that really went into him not having the offseason he’d probably like and the season that he knows he can improve on and be better than. So those guys are all working. EJ’s (Crowell) really not taking a lot of reps, if any at all. And so that’s unfortunate, but we’ll keep working. Kevin (Riley), I think, is building on what he showed all of us last season as well.”

The Alabama head coach also shared some more details about Crowell’s status.

“I’d say it’s week to week,” DeBoer said. “It’s probably not day to day, but it’s week to week, so unfortunately.”

Hill is listed as eight pounds lighter this spring, and Riley is listed at seven pounds heavier.

Riley rushed for 227 yards and touchdowns on 59 carries last season. Hill rushed for 293 yards and six touchdowns on 75 carries.