Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team are currently in the middle of spring practice in Tuscaloosa. While there has been plenty of good news reported from camp, DeBoer also provided an unfortunate update on five-star freshman running back EJ Crowell.
According to Coach DeBoer, the talented back is considered week-to-week.
“I’d say it’s week-to-week. It’s probably not day-to-day, but it’s week-to-week, unfortunately.”
Who is EJ Crowell?
Crowell was one of Alabama’s most highly anticipated signees from the 2026 recruiting class. The five-star back from Jackson, Alabama, reclassified and graduated a full year and a half early to join the Crimson Tide.
Crowell was ranked as the No. 2 back in the 2026 class and the No. 13 overall player in the Rivals Industry Rankings.
Alabama lists Crowell at 5-foot-11, 221 pounds. His blend of size, speed, and power makes him an elite playmaker with the ball in his hands.
In the 2025 Alabama Class 4A State Championship, Crowell set the rushing record with 304 rushing yards and an astounding 5 rushing touchdowns.
Alabama Football RB Depth Chart
Fortunately for Alabama, the Crimson Tide has plenty of depth at the running back position. Alabama returned both Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley, who had plenty of first-team reps during the 2025 season.
Alabama also returns redshirt freshman AK Dear, who is among the most talented backs on the roster.
While Crowell has the most upside of the entire bunch, depth is not an issue for Alabama in the backfield. It’s also only the spring, and we still have several months before the Tide will take the field on September 5 against East Carolina.
EJ Crowell Should Help Establish Running Game for Alabama
Alabama struggled to run the football in 2025. In fact, the Crimson Tide ranked 123 out of 134 in rushing yards per game with just 104.1. Signing Crowell was a point of emphasis for DeBoer and the Alabama staff to help return the rushing attack in Tuscaloosa.
Alabama made improving the running game a point of emphasis this offseason, bolstering the offensive line through the transfer portal and hiring new offensive line coach Adrian Klemm.
Crowell is one of the most gifted backs that Alabama has signed in several years. Having him healthy for the 2026 season will be critical for DeBoer and the Crimson Tide.
Kalen DeBoer Provides Unfortunate Injury Update on Five-Star Freshman