By: Garrett Franks
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Throughout the weeks leading up to spring practice we will break down each position for the Crimson Tide this season.
Today’s edition focuses on a position group that has yielded two Heisman Trophies during Saban’s tenure, the RBs.
Leaving:
Brian Robinson Jr.
The Tuscaloosa native, Brian Robinson Jr. has exhausted all of his eligibility. A member of the 2017 recruiting class, he was overshadowed by many from his fellow teammate Najee Harris. In his first two seasons Robinson served in a reserve role rushing for 437 yards and two touchdowns.
Robinson had an uptick in production his junior and true-senior year, totaling 187 carries for 1924 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Due to COVID-19, Robinson was allowed by the NCAA to return for his fifth-year. Having sat behind guys such as Damien Harris, Josh Jacobs, and Najee Harris. Brian was ready to burst onto the scene nationally.
Robinson made the most of his chance by rushing for 1,343 yards on 271 attempts, amassing 14 touchdowns. With the strong season, Robison is now seen as a third or fourth round draft pick according to Yahoo Sports draft analysis Eric Edlholm.
Camar Wheaton
Not much is known on the former five-star running back from Garland, Texas. Wheaton kept a very low profile during his recruitment, not posting much about where or when he visited schools. He committed to the Crimson Tide on Dec. 23 over Oklahoma.
Enrolling into Alabama during the summer, Wheaton suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for all of the 20221-2022 season.
Camar entered the transfer portal on Feb. 2. The combination of a season-ending knee injury and a deep back field probably aided in his decision to enter the portal. Camar has yet to choose a transfer destination.
Returning:
Jase McClellan
McClellan Started the season strong as RB2 with 191 rushing yards on 40 attempts with one touchdown. He also was potent out of the backfield with 10 receptions for 97 yards and three touchdowns.
Jase suffered a season-ending knee injury in the victory over Ole miss on Oct. 2.
the junior looks to bounce back in a big way, barring any set backs he should be ready for spring practice.
Standing at 5’11 212 lbs McClellan is no scatback but possess great downfield acceleration. He also doesn’t shy away from contact, as he is frequently ran through the “B” gap. Expect to see his name called early and often this upcoming season.
Roydell Willams
After McClellan went down with his knee injury Saban called upon true-sophomore Roydell Williams to fill that RB two role.
Williams stepped-up and played well, amassing 284 yards on 48 carries and one touchdown. He arguably had his best game against Southern Miss. where he rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown.
Similar to McClellan, Willaims suffered a season-ending knee injury against New Mexico St.
Williams looks to be a rotational contributor this upcoming season. Possessing a 5’10 frame, Williams draws comparisons to former Alabama running back Josh Jacobs.
Willaims excels when stretched out wide in pass catching situations or run-pass-option plays. He is a decent blocker for his size, which means he does well in play-action.
Trey sanders
The former five-star IMG prospect has faced much adversity in his three seasons at Alabama.
Sanders missed his freshman season due to a knee injury. His sophomore year was cut short due to a car accident which left him with a broken leg. Many people within the program doubted whether or not Sanders would return to the field.
He silenced all doubt when he suited up against Miami in the Chick-Fila Kick off Game and rushed for a touchdown. Though he had a reserve role throughout much of the season, after Roydell got injured, his number was called. Sanders served as RB 2 for compiling 314 yards on 72 attempts for two touchdowns.
It’ll be interesting to see how Sanders factors into this deep running back room. Does he move to more of a returner only role? Or will the redshirt junior get carries out of a crowed backfield?
Newcomers:
Jahmyr Gibbs
The highly coveted transfer portal running back from Georgia Tech rushed for over 700 yards and four TDs as a Sophomore. He also caught 36 receptions for 470 yards and two scores. Gibbs was one of the best ‘backs in the ACC, finishing 11th in rushing.
Many people draw similarities between Gibbs and NFL running back Alvin Kamara. They both have a similar frame at around 5’10 and posses a versatile aspect out of the backfield.
Expect him to have a key role in the backfield for the Crimson Tide this season. One idea many have floated is flexing him out wide as a receiver.
Regardless, Gibbs will be a massive addition to a loaded backfield.
Emmanuel Henderson
The highly touted four-star running back from Geneva County, Alabama committed to the Tide over Auburn and and Clemson.
Playing in 2A football in Alabama means there will be an adjustment period for the running back. He also will not be enrolling until this summer, which means he will not have spring practice under his belt.
Henderson’s freshman campaign might just be him redshirting and learning behind a deep backfield. Redshirted freshman year ‘backs a Bama have had success in the past; such as Heisman Trophy winning tailback Derrick Henry.
Jamarion Miller
The Tyler, Texas product stands at 5’10 195 lbs. The former Texas Longhorns commit flipped from the Longhorns to the Tide on Nov. 25.
Miller has already enrolled into the university, and will participate in spring practice.
Miller is seen more as a bruiser but still has great breakaway speed; As he ran an electric 10.71 100 meter dash in high school. While it might still be a stretch to say he will get ample playing time this season, injuries do not hit position rooms fairly. So Miller will need to be ready if his number is called.
Overview:
Running back is arguably Alabama’s deepest position group. They are an experienced bunch with guys like McClellan, Willaims and Sanders returning for another go around. Plus an injection of new blood with Gibbs, Henderson and Miller will keep that backfield humming perfectly.
There is a flip side to having a running back room this deep. While the transfer portal can giveth, the portal can taketh. Alabama has been no stranger to losing talented running backs in the portal. Look at guys like Jerome Ford who had an excellent season at Cincinnati and Keilan Robinson leaving for Texas. Both these guys would have had big impacts had they stayed.
With that all being said, I wouldn’t be shocked to see one or two player hit the portal for better opportunity. While that is status quo in today’s college football, it still can hurt teams when injuries and the fatigue of a long season sets in.
Projected Depth Chart
1a.) Jase McClellan
1b.) Jahmyr Gibbs
2.) Roydell Willaims
3.) Trey Sanders
4.) Jamarion miller
5.) Emmanuel Henderson
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