With senior running back Jam Miller sidelined due to an upper-body injury sustained during a recent scrimmage, Alabama is now facing a critical early-season adjustment. Miller, who led the Crimson Tide in rushing yards and touchdowns last season, is expected to miss at least the season opener against Florida State—and potentially more.
In Miller’s absence, the spotlight now shifts to a group of talented but less-experienced running backs. This group will be tasked with carrying the load and keeping Alabama’s offense balanced during a key stretch to start the 2025 season.
Richard Young – Ready for a Bigger Role
Redshirt sophomore Richard Young has been quietly building toward a more significant role in the offense. Last season, he provided a glimpse of his potential with 146 rushing yards and two touchdowns in limited action. Injuries slowed his progress, but with Miller out, Young is expected to take on a larger share of the carries. Coaches have praised his development in camp, and his ability to find holes and make decisive cuts will be critical for the Tide’s early success.
Daniel Hill – A Versatile Weapon
Sophomore Daniel Hill is another intriguing option. Known for his size and strength—he stands at 6’1″ and 244 pounds—Hill has also shown surprising finesse as a pass catcher and blocker. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has been impressed with Hill’s versatility, particularly in third-down situations. With the coaching staff looking to diversify the backfield responsibilities, Hill is likely to see a meaningful increase in reps.
Dre Washington – Experience in the Trenches
Perhaps the most reliable option is Dre Washington, a redshirt senior transfer from Louisiana. Washington brings three seasons of college experience and over 1,300 career rushing yards to Tuscaloosa. His vision, patience, and consistency give Alabama a steady presence in the backfield. While he might not break long runs like Miller, Washington is dependable, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Committee Approach Likely
Rather than relying on a single back to fill Miller’s shoes, Alabama is expected to take a committee approach. Each back brings unique strengths to the table—Young with his burst, Hill with his physicality and versatility, and Washington with his experience and dependability. The coaching staff is likely to rotate them based on in-game situations, matchups, and blocking needs.
This approach also allows the offense to remain flexible while adjusting to life with new starting quarterback Ty Simpson. The success of the run game will be vital in easing the pressure on Simpson, especially in protecting him during pass plays. Jam Miller was one of the best pass-blockers on the roster, so this is an area where the trio will need to step up immediately.
Other Names to Watch
Further down the depth chart are freshman AK Dear and redshirt freshman Kevin Riley. While they may not see immediate playing time, their development throughout the season could prove valuable, especially if injuries continue to impact the position.
Conclusion
Alabama still has the tools to maintain a powerful rushing attack even with Jam Miller temporarily out. Richard Young, Daniel Hill, and Dre Washington are all capable backs with something to prove. Their performance in the early weeks of the season will be crucial—not just in replacing Miller, but in keeping Alabama’s offense moving efficiently as the team looks to start the year strong against Florida State.
While the absence of Miller is a setback, it’s also an opportunity for others to step up and shine on one of college football’s biggest stages.