Alabama: New Running Back Seen in Walking Boot
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The Alabama Crimson Tide entered the offseason needing to improve the offensive line and backfield.
The story of last season was the Crimson Tide's inability to get the running game going. Alabama had to rely on Ty Simpson to lead the offense, which caused issues in the SEC championship and College Football Playoff.
It remains to be seen how reinforcements for the running game do in the upcoming season, but a freshman running back is falling behind during spring practice due to an injury.
On April 3, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer revealed EJ Crowell had not practiced since March. DeBoer wasn't optimistic he would return within the next several practices.
Per On3, Crowell was seen in a walking boot during Saturday's practice.
"Five-star freshman running back EJ Crowell was spotted at A-Day with a walking boot and a scooter ahead of the Crimson Tide’s spring game," wrote Barkley Truax. "Crowell has been limited all spring with a soft tissue issue…
"The early-enrollee is considered week to week, but the coaching staff aren’t looking to chance anything by putting him on the field."
Crowell reclassified to graduate early in high school. He told reporters in 2025 that he had lofty goals for his first season in college. He wants to become a freshman All-American.
“This decision is going to have a huge impact on my future,” Crowell said, via The Call News. “There are so many schools reaching out and it’s a blessing to have that kind of interest.
"But my main goal is to be a freshman All-American and make an immediate impact wherever I go.”
The immediate impact will have to wait for training camp while he recovers from the soft-tissue injury. The coaching staff is making a wise decision to play it cautious with Crowell.
The Crimson Tide had issues with keeping running backs healthy towards the end of last season.
Crowell could have a key impact on the Crimson Tide's offense in the fall. He's the No. 2 running back for the 2026 class. He should see touches this season as Alabama tries to create a more impactful running game.
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