NEWS: Alabama Offensive Coordinator Gives Crucial Update on Running Back Competition Behind Jam Miller
As the Alabama Crimson Tide continues fall camp under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, all eyes are on how the program will reload at key offensive positions in 2025. Among the most closely watched competitions is the battle for depth behind starting running back Jam Miller, a powerful and explosive back who is poised to take over the lead role in the post-Jase McClellan era. On Tuesday, Offensive Coordinator Nick Sheridan provided a key update on how the competition is shaping up — and what it means for the Crimson Tide offense moving forward.
Jam Miller: RB1, No Doubt
Before addressing the depth chart, Sheridan was clear about one thing: Jam Miller is the undisputed starter.
“Jam’s had an outstanding camp,” Sheridan said. “He’s taken on a leadership role in the room, he’s running with authority, and we love his balance and physicality. He’s improved as a receiver too, and that’s going to open up our playbook in big ways.”
Miller, a junior, enters the 2025 season with the weight of high expectations on his shoulders. After flashing brilliance in limited carries last year — including a 100-yard breakout game against Kentucky — the 5-foot-10, 212-pound back has become the focal point of Alabama’s new-look offense. Known for his blend of toughness and burst, Miller appears primed to be the next in a long line of elite Alabama backs.
But behind him, the picture is far from settled.
Four-Way Battle for RB2
According to Sheridan, the race for the backup spot behind Miller is wide open, with Justice Haynes, Richard Young, Daniel Hill, and Kevin Riley all in the mix.
“We’ve got a lot of talent in that room,” Sheridan said. “It’s a very competitive group, and we’re seeing growth from all of them. Each guy brings a little something different to the table, which gives us flexibility.”
Let’s break down each contender:
Justice Haynes
A redshirt freshman with elite pedigree — his father, Verron Haynes, played in the NFL — Justice Haynes has drawn praise for his all-around game. Though injuries slowed him early in his freshman campaign, Haynes came on strong late in the 2024 season and has impressed coaches with his patience, vision, and hands out of the backfield.
“He’s got a really natural feel for the game,” Sheridan said. “You can trust him in passing downs, which is huge for us.”
Haynes is considered the front-runner for the RB2 spot due to his maturity and versatility.
Richard Young
One of Alabama’s highest-rated signees in the 2023 class, Richard Young is a bruising runner who thrives between the tackles. After limited action last season, Young has reportedly trimmed down and improved his lateral quickness, making him more dynamic.
“Richard’s a load,” Sheridan said. “When he gets downhill, you can feel it. He’s also grown a lot in understanding protections, which we really value.”
Young could be used in short-yardage and goal-line packages, but is pushing hard for regular rotation reps.
Daniel Hill
True freshman Daniel Hill has turned heads in camp with his burst and surprising strength. The 6-foot, 220-pound Mississippi native was an early enrollee and has quickly adapted to the college game.
“He’s a competitor,” Sheridan said. “You love to see a young guy come in and compete without backing down. He’s raw, but there’s real upside there.”
Hill may not start the season high on the depth chart, but he’s a name to watch as the year progresses.
Kevin Riley
Another true freshman, Riley has been described as a “change-of-pace” back due to his top-end speed and ability to make defenders miss in space.
“Kevin brings a different dimension,” Sheridan said. “He’s electric when he gets outside the tackles, and he’s learning quickly.”
While still adjusting to the physicality of the college level, Riley is expected to be utilized in certain packages and on special teams.
The Importance of Depth
Sheridan emphasized that in today’s college football, depth at running back is critical — not just for injury prevention, but for offensive versatility.
“We’re going to rotate backs,” he said. “We don’t want to wear anyone down, and we want to stay unpredictable. Having four or five guys who can contribute is a strength, not a problem.”
He also noted that the offense under DeBoer and himself will place a greater emphasis on passing-game involvement for running backs — meaning backs who can block, run routes, and catch passes will have an edge.
“We’re not just looking for guys who can run inside zone,” Sheridan added. “We want complete players who can help us dictate tempo and matchups.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Alabama’s running back room remains one of the most storied in the nation, with alumni like Derrick Henry, Mark Ingram, Najee Harris, and Josh Jacobs continuing to succeed at the NFL level. With Jam Miller ready to lead and a fierce battle unfolding behind him, the tradition of elite running backs in Tuscaloosa appears well positioned to continue.
As the season opener against Wisconsin inches closer, Sheridan and the Tide staff will keep a close eye on performance in scrimmages and joint practices. But one thing is clear — Alabama is loaded in the backfield, and competition is only making the group stronger.
“We’ll let it play out,” Sheridan concluded. “But we’re very confident that whoever’s back there, they’ll be ready when their number is called.”
Leave a Reply