2019 Alabama Crimson Tide Spring Football Unit Previews: Ho Hum, Moar 5-Star Running Backs

For Najee Harris, the coming season is what he has been dreaming of. With those pesky first and second-stringers out of the way, he will finally be the feature back and have a chance to make a run at the Heisman. How much Nick Saban and new OC Steve Sarkisian will utilize him is still a mystery. Will this be an autocracy in the realm of Derrick Henry’s junior campaign? Or will it be a democracy of Harris sharing the workload with Brian Robinson, Trey Sanders and the rest like we saw this past season?

(C) 2018 University of Alabama Athletics

DEPARTED

Damien Harris - Alabama got four excellent seasons (3,070 yards, 23 TD, 2 rec TD) out of the Kentucky native and now he is off to the NFL. He is projected somewhere between the second and fourth rounds.

Josh Jacobs - The true junior had a breakout year at the Capstone and is the No. 1 running back in the 2019 NFL Draft. He is projected to go in the first round.

Ronnie Clark - Too many injuries and too many lost opportunities derailed this graduating fifth year senior’s chance from stardom. Yet he was a favorite of both teammates and fans.

RETURNING

Najee Harris Jr. - Although not a starter per se, the true junior was a big part of the three-man rotation and finished ranked second among the Tide running backs with 783 yards, carrying 117 times with four scores last season. He could be/should be on the verge of a big season. There is no question of his ability to carry the load at running back but he only recorded four receptions for 7 yards last season. That is an aspect of his game he will need to evolve.

Brian Robinson Jr. - Already a junior, the Tuscaloosan has bided his time and should be a big part of the offense in 2019. As the fourth back last year, Robinson often did not get carries until the Crimson Tide lead was of the five touchdown variety. When he did have his number called, he responded in impressive fashion gaining 272 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries. He should be the number two after Mr. Harris, but is prepared to take over if needed.

Jerome Ford R-Fr. - As a true freshman in 2018, Ford was able to take advantage of the new four-game redshirt rule and see action against Louisville, Arkansas State, Ole Miss, and La-Laf. He had seven carries for 37 yards with a long of 15.

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NEWCOMERS

Charles Huff is the new Running Backs Coach as well as carrying the moniker of Associate Head Coach. The journeyman assistant has had some impressive pupils including the Buffalo Bills’ C.J. Spiller during his only Pro Bowl season, and All-American Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders both of whom he also recruited to Penn State.

Trey Sanders 6’1” 205 - The 5-star No. 6 overall prospect for 2019 should definitely break into the rotation. If B-Rob takes a day off, he might just find himself eclipsed in touches. Sanders is a powerful bruiser with a body built for the college game. He rates 10’s across the skills board, but how is he at pass protection? That will be something to watch on A-Day this fall.

Keilan Robinson 5’9” 180 - This Washington, DC back is more in the change of pace category, but my man needs to put on a few LBS before he can step on an SEC field. He might be closer compared to former Bama/Colorado State back Dee Hart. I expect him to be a regular patient of Dr. Cochran and have a four-game redshirt season.

PREDICTED DEPTH CHART

Najee > B-Rob > Sanders > Ford > K-Rob

TRIVIA QUESTION

WITHOUT LOOKING IT UP! During the Saban era, Alabama has had two running backs drafted into the NFL in the same year on two occasions. Not counting the upcoming draft, can you name the four former Tide backs? Hint: counting fullbacks.

POLL