The future is bright in Tuscaloosa. Kalen DeBoer has recruited at a high level, contrary to what many thought would be his biggest weakness in the SEC.
He's on the precipice of landing a second consecutive Top 5 recruiting class, and one of the big reasons why is 5-star RB EJ Crowell.
Crowell was a 2027 prospect who reclassified to the 2026 class and committed to the home-state Crimson Tide over the summer. After serving a ridiculous suspension in his high school's season opener, Crowell has been back to his dominant ways.
On Friday night, he showed his immense talent, and why Alabama fans are so excited for him to get down to Tuscaloosa. His power, speed, and 1% athleticism were on full display with this jaw-dropping run that looked straight out of a Saquon Barkley highlight reel:
EJ CROWELL IS UNREAL. Watch the 5 star Alabama commit display his athleticism. @EzavierCrowell pic.twitter.com/S3TxKXGCUg
— QB Country Media (@ScoutFball) October 4, 2025
That man refused to be tackled. The hurdle looked completely effortless, too.
Unfortunately for Crowell and Jackson High School, they lost to St. Michael's, led by head coach Philip Rivers and his 4-star QB son, Gunner, 49-39. Crowell did his thing, however, turning 18 carries into 179 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the loss.
EJ Crowell will be the next great Alabama running back
Alabama's struggles running the football have been well-documented this season so far. Part of the issue has been the offensive line struggling to get a push, but a bigger issue has been the Tide not having a difference-maker in the backfield. That's been an issue since Jahmyr Gibbs went pro following the 2022 season.
They have good backs. Just not great ones. Crowell is a great one. He's going to be an immediate difference-maker and an immediate contributor for the Crimson Tide next season. Crowell is a future star, and it's easy to see why with plays like that.
Alabama has a long history of great running backs. From the pre-Saban days of guys like Johnny Musso, Bobby Humphrey, and Shaun Alexander. Then, during the Saban era, Heisman winners like Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry, along with Trent Richardson, Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris, and Gibbs, among many others.
Crowell has next. And he'll make his presence felt in Tuscaloosa from the very first day he steps onto campus.