Alabama keeps talking about the same thing with EJ Crowell: the talent is already obvious, but the rest of the game is catching up.
Heading into the Georgia matchup, offensive coordinator Grubb said Crowell is " still growing into the game plans" and added that "he's getting there and he's fighting his tail off to learn" when it comes to picking up protections, especially in the pass game. That work has started to pay off. Grubb also said the former five-star recruit in the 2026 class "has really come around to where we can trust him in that regard," which naturally opens the door for more snaps and more chances with the ball.
The production has been uneven from week to week, but the arrow is still pointing up. Crowell had three carries for 49 yards against Mississippi State, then followed that with five rushes for 11 yards and a touchdown against Georgia. That wasn’t some massive jump in volume, but Alabama sees the development that matters most.
"EJ's gotten a lot better," the offensive coordinator said during the Monday morning press conference. "He is still week-to-week in that situation, but we put him in a bunch of spots this week actually, where the ball didn't go to him, he had to pick up some pressures and things like that.
So that was super exciting for him to be in that spot. We're still trying to get to that position where EJ is touching the ball at least 10 times a game, and finding those ways to get him the ball obviously.
I think we only got it to him six or seven times this week. So just kind of keep building on that."
Kalen DeBoer echoed that message when asked about the pass-protection growth from Crowell and fellow freshman Trae'Shawn Brown.
"I think they are getting better as we work and we work on it in practice," the head coach said. "And I think there's been an extended role that the two young guys in particular have continued to get, and that we've been intentional on.Limited snaps this last week.
I mean, the game and just the flow. I think we had three.
Well, I know we had three possessions in the second half, six possessions in the first half. We got the ball first, and we ended the half with the ball.
And so all of a sudden, the circumstances of the game and how that presents itself lend to you know who's on the football field and probably you know what you're most comfortable with.
"But those guys are out there, and we expect them to make plays," DeBoer continued. "Obviously, when the ball's in their hands, but also we expect them to get the job done now, and especially since we're halfway through the season, when they're out there in a role including pass protection as well."
The season-long numbers show a backfield with plenty of traffic and plenty of room still to sort itself out. Through six games, Daniel Hill has 55 carries for 270 yards and four touchdowns, while Trae'shawn Brown has 51 carries for 311 yards and five touchdowns.
Crowell has been the most efficient of the group at 6.9 yards per carry, turning 31 rushes into 238 yards and four touchdowns. Keelon Russell has also been part of the equation with 46 carries for 329 yards and four touchdowns.
The last three weeks may tell the story best. Hill has just 17 carries for 52 yards over that stretch.
Brown has handled 27 carries for 178 yards and two touchdowns, while Crowell has 14 carries for 110 yards and a score. Russell’s legs have continued to matter too, including nine carries for 41 yards in the loss against Georgia, which was his second-highest rushing output of the season.
The workload last week reflected that shifting mix. Russell and Brown each had nine carries, Crowell got five, and Hill had four. In the win over Mississippi State, Brown led the way with 14 carries, while Crowell and Hill combined for eight.
That lines up with what was noted after last Saturday’s loss: Brown appears to be moving closer to the top spot in the backfield, even as Crowell and Hill remain in line for meaningful touches. For Alabama, the key piece with Crowell is simple.
Keep sharpening the details, keep earning trust, and the ball should keep following. The talent is undeniable.
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Alabama May Have A New Problem At Corner Before Tennessee
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Kane Wommack has made it clear that the standard at corner will not be lowered, and the rotation could start to reflect that. With Mercer transfer Carmelo O'Neal sitting as the primary backup, Alabama may have to lean on him more if Lees snaps continue to trend the wrong way, which leaves one more key lineup question hanging as Tennessee approaches. [Read more 🡒]