Kalen DeBoer evaluates where Alabama's running game stands

Spring ball is well underway in Tuscaloosa. Kalen DeBoer got to see his team scrimmage for the second time on Saturday, hoping to see some improvements. One of the areas he focused on afterward was the running game, talking about how it differed from the first scrimmage.

DeBoer gave the edge to the defense, saying they did a better job stopping the Alabama running backs. Since the offense did so well with the run last time, there was maybe some more focus on protecting the quarterback when dropping back to pass.

Nothing discouraging from the offensive perspective, just how the pendulum swings when scrimmaging your teammates.

“We had a strong performance in the run game a week ago,” DeBoer said. “It was solid today. I think the defense did a nice job recovering from last game. And I think they did a better job, offensive line-wise, in pass pro. Some of that is assignments and more reps. Some of it is just hunkering coach and getting back to work.”

Part of what coaches face in scrimmages is weighing where to put stock in their players. The offensive line struggling on Saturday with the run could be seen as a negative but the defensive line having a good day is certainly a positive.

DeBoer knows it’s natural to have these flows and seems to be content with where the run game currently stands.

Alabama excited about running back room heading into 2024

A lot of roster turnover took place in Tuscaloosa following Nick Saban’s retirement. Plenty of players left for the NFL Draft while compliance people were busy entering names into the NCAA transfer portal. When DeBoer stepped on campus, a lot of positions needed to be patched up.

Running back was not one of them and folks inside of the building have to feel good about where they stand. Justice Haynes and Jam Miller are set to be the two guys for the Crimson Tide after spending most of 2023 in rotational roles.

Both players did show flashes though, with the excitement for next season’s potential beginning at the start of the offseason.

“The fact that these two blue-chip tailbacks only really got a cup of water this year– I think they’re going to be drinking from the hose next season,” On3’s Jesse Simonton said during a January episode of Andy Staples On3. “I think they’re going to be the guys.”