Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has said that freshman running back EJ Crowell will battle for snaps despite a lingering injury, giving the coaching staff a fresh option for the upcoming season.
If Crowell manages to top the Crimson Tide’s rushing yards chart, he would become the first freshman to achieve that feat in 41 years, a milestone last reached by Gene Jelks in 1985.
A Freshman Milestone
Crowell arrives after a high school career that produced more than 6,000 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns, and he has already been moved from the 2027 to the 2026 recruiting class, underscoring the program’s confidence in his abilities.
His potential impact extends beyond personal accolades; a strong ground game could open up play‑action opportunities and relieve pressure on the passing attack, making his contribution vital to Alabama’s offensive rhythm.
The competition for carries will also involve other backs, but the historical precedent set by former freshman standouts such as Siran Stacy, who led the team in rushing as a junior‑college transfer in 1989, and the successful transitions of Eddie Lacy and TJ Yeldon, adds a layer of excitement to Crowell’s debut.