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Alabama Has 2 Freshman Turning Heads Before Training Camp
The Alabama Crimson Tide will need to rely on newcomers this season as they attempt to return to the College Football Playoff during Kalen DeBoer's third year as head coach.
The Crimson Tide brought in 44 total commits via high school recruits and the transfer portal. Per 247Sports, Alabama ranked No. 4 overall for the 2026 class.
After losing quarterback Ty Simpson to the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Alabama is set to look young on the offensive side of the ball. Two freshmen appear to be turning heads before training camp starts this summer.
Brad Crawford thinks running back EJ Crowell could be one of the best freshmen newcomers in the SEC, with nothing he could "breakout" early in his career.
"Alabama has stocked its running back room with talent, but this elite prospect has the physical tools and explosiveness to carve out a role immediately," Crawford wrote. "Crowell runs with power between the tackles, has the burst to create chunk plays, and possesses the versatility to become a factor in the passing game -- all staples of what Kalen DeBoer wants in his RB1.
"Those traits should earn him touches early, especially if he proves dependable in pass protection. Alabama won't ask Crowell to carry the offense from Day 1, but he should be a breakout player for the Crimson Tide early."
Alabama's problems running the football were well documented last season. The Crimson Tide need to find a boost from the backfield anyway they can, and Crowell could become a staple in the offense by the end of the season.
Wide receiver Cederian Morgan could become an immediate threat for the offense, as Crawford argued his six-foot-4, 210-pound frame could make him an attractive target this season.
"The Crimson Tide's receiver room lost several proven playmakers, opening the door for Morgan to compete alongside Ryan Coleman-Williams and others sooner than expected, he wrote. One of the nation's most polished pass catchers in the 2026 class, Morgan arrives with the size, ball skills and route-running ability to contribute immediately.
"He doesn't need a full season to develop physically, and his ability to win contested catches should make him an attractive option in the Crimson Tide's passing game. Fall camp development is key to Morgan cracking the two-deep."
Given the questions on the offensive side of the ball this summer, having two freshmen step up to make an immediate impact would be a relief for DeBoer this season.
The Crimson Tide will need some players to step up to return to the CFP, and it may as well be the freshmen who have something to prove.
Continue reading...
The Alabama Crimson Tide will need to rely on newcomers this season as they attempt to return to the College Football Playoff during Kalen DeBoer's third year as head coach.
The Crimson Tide brought in 44 total commits via high school recruits and the transfer portal. Per 247Sports, Alabama ranked No. 4 overall for the 2026 class.
After losing quarterback Ty Simpson to the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Alabama is set to look young on the offensive side of the ball. Two freshmen appear to be turning heads before training camp starts this summer.
Brad Crawford thinks running back EJ Crowell could be one of the best freshmen newcomers in the SEC, with nothing he could "breakout" early in his career.
"Alabama has stocked its running back room with talent, but this elite prospect has the physical tools and explosiveness to carve out a role immediately," Crawford wrote. "Crowell runs with power between the tackles, has the burst to create chunk plays, and possesses the versatility to become a factor in the passing game -- all staples of what Kalen DeBoer wants in his RB1.
"Those traits should earn him touches early, especially if he proves dependable in pass protection. Alabama won't ask Crowell to carry the offense from Day 1, but he should be a breakout player for the Crimson Tide early."
Alabama's problems running the football were well documented last season. The Crimson Tide need to find a boost from the backfield anyway they can, and Crowell could become a staple in the offense by the end of the season.
Wide receiver Cederian Morgan could become an immediate threat for the offense, as Crawford argued his six-foot-4, 210-pound frame could make him an attractive target this season.
"The Crimson Tide's receiver room lost several proven playmakers, opening the door for Morgan to compete alongside Ryan Coleman-Williams and others sooner than expected, he wrote. One of the nation's most polished pass catchers in the 2026 class, Morgan arrives with the size, ball skills and route-running ability to contribute immediately.
"He doesn't need a full season to develop physically, and his ability to win contested catches should make him an attractive option in the Crimson Tide's passing game. Fall camp development is key to Morgan cracking the two-deep."
Given the questions on the offensive side of the ball this summer, having two freshmen step up to make an immediate impact would be a relief for DeBoer this season.
The Crimson Tide will need some players to step up to return to the CFP, and it may as well be the freshmen who have something to prove.
Continue reading...
