Alabama spring practice breakdown: Grading running back room for the Crimson Tide

Haynes was evaluated as one of the most complete backs in the country coming out of Buford High School. He only carried the football three times last Saturday, but the hype remains for the talented sophomore. The Georgia product rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman. His most meaningful playing time came against Michigan in the Rose Bowl when he rushed for 22 yards on four carries. 

Kalen DeBoer spoke highly of the Tide’s running back running back room during his press conference on A-Day. 

“I thought they did a better job when they saw a hole today, they hit it,” DeBoer said. “Especially, early on, there were some seams and they’re not dancing which means they’re getting more and more comfortable with the schemes, the trusting of the offensive line. There was a couple more tackles broken which goes both ways, right? You want to see those tackles made by the defense, there’s more tackles broken early on in the scrimmage than what I’ve seen. We’ve been pretty sure with our tackling up until the early part of the scrimmage today. Then they responded and did a better job.”

Richard Young flashed potential to possibly work himself into the Tide’s rotation when he rushed for 29 yards and one touchdown. 

Hill was the only freshman back to participate in spring practice with Alabama. Kevin Riley, a four-star running back, will enroll this summer. 

Spring Practice Grade: A