Alabama’s ground game is getting a reset, and Ryan Grubb isn’t being subtle about the mission.
The Crimson Tide’s rushing production was a real problem last season, when Alabama averaged just 104.4 yards per game and finished 15th in the SEC. That left Ty Simpson and the receivers carrying too much of the load, and disciplined defenses made the Tide pay for it.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer has already acknowledged the issue, and Grubb doubled down on that message Thursday during preseason camp. His focus was on cleaning up the approach up front and getting the line to play with clarity.
“Simplify and do your best stuff. don’t get in steep and a mile wide, and do what you’re good at and be great at it,” Grubb said. “Coach (Adrian) Klemm has done an excellent job with helping build that and between him and Rich Owens, I’m super excited to work with those guys in resurrecting the run game, and we will.”
There’s also optimism inside the backfield about what Alabama could get next year. When asked who stood out, Grubb quickly pointed to Daniel Hill.
“Daniel Hill is a guy that I think people are going to be really impressed in the transformation Daniel’s had with his body. He’s been really lean, in the 230s, low 230s… he runs different, he’s got great agility and command of the offense. Super intelligent.”
Grubb also brought up freshman EJ Crowell, saying “the sky is the limit” for him. Even so, he said Crowell is still learning the game and figuring out how to practice.
“He’s got a good shot,” Grubb said.
In Other News...
Alabama May Already Be Seeing EJ Crowells Role Take Shape
EJ Crowells first college fall camp was always going to be watched closely, but the Alabama freshman running back has already given the staff a reason to take notice. After dealing with a soft tissue injury in late March, Crowell was back on the field for the opening day of camp, giving Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb an early look at how the young back might fit into the offense.
The early read has been encouraging. Coaches have pointed to Crowells physical style and reliable hands as traits that could help him carve out a role, even as he continues learning the speed and details of the college game. Teammate Daniel Hill also noted the progress Crowell made after the injury and through his summer prep, and Alabama will be watching to see how quickly that growth turns into real playing time. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Faces One Defensive Question That Could Define Fall Camp
Alabamas defense heads into fall camp with one of its cleanest-looking position groups on the edge and one of its most obvious openings in the middle. The Crimson Tide must replace both starting inside linebacker spots after the departures of Deontae Lawson, Justin Jefferson and Nikhai Hill-Green, and that puts real pressure on a room that is still sorting out its hierarchy while the rest of the defense builds around it.
Kane Wommack pointed to Chuck Morrells work preparing the group and said the improving defensive line should help the linebackers settle in more quickly, but the competition remains the story. Virginia Tech transfer Caleb Woodson, juniors Cayden Jones and QB Reese, and freshman Xavier Griffin are all in the mix, and Alabama will spend August trying to find the right combination before the season forces the issue. [Read more 🡒]
Alabama Defense Watching Two Returnees With Something To Prove
Fall camp has given Alabamas defense a couple of encouraging storylines beyond the usual preseason competition, with Jeremiah Beaman and Jah-Marien Latham both back on the field and working fully after injury interruptions. Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack has seen enough to believe each player can be part of the rotation this season, and the early returns have been about more than just availability. Latham has drawn notice for the way he has gone right back to the fundamentals, while Beamans comeback has carried the grind and discipline that comes with getting back to full speed.
For a defense that expects to lean on depth, both returnees matter because they are trying to reclaim roles they lost before they could build on them. Beamans path back has been especially demanding, and Lathams reset has had its own hurdles, but Alabama is clearly counting on the two of them to add toughness and experience once the games start to matter. The next question is how quickly that progress translates into real snaps when the Crimson Tide begin sorting out who can be trusted in key moments. [Read more 🡒]