There might not be a freshman in college football next season with higher expectations than Alabama 5-star RB EJ Crowell.
Crowell was one of the top players in the 2026 recruiting class after an illustrious high school career, and now will be looking to carve out an early role for the Crimson Tide next season. His presence is sorely needed for an Alabama backfield that has been missing a real difference-maker.
Crowell arrived in Tuscaloosa for spring practice expecting to compete with returning contributors Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley, along with redshirt freshman AK Dear. The spring is pivotal for Crowell to get his feet wet and get acclimated to the offense ahead of pushing for carries in the fall.
Unfortunately, the 5-star back is already dealing with a minor injury that is limiting his availability right now. Crowell was dressed out, but did not participate in drills during Thursday's media viewing period.
Ryan Grubb said after practice that Alabama is being cautious with the blue-chip freshman.
"Soft-tissue deal. He's OK. Just being cautious," Grubb said. "We've got another week coming up to make sure he's healed the right way. It's a big spring for EJ, so want to make sure he can get off to the right start when we get back."
Alabama RB EJ Crowell has a minor injury and the Crimson Tide is 'being cautious'
As Grubb mentioned, this is a big spring for Crowell. Like Ryan Williams two years ago, Crowell reclassified and should be going through spring practice for his senior year of high school football right now. Instead, he's practicing with the Crimson Tide and gearing up for what could be a pivotal role on the Alabama offense in 2026.
Jam Miller exhausted his eligibility, and Alabama struck out on its big Transfer Portal target in NC State's Hollywood Smothers, who originally committed to the Tide before flipping to Texas.
That means, in order to fix a dormant running game, Alabama will be relying on growth from returnees like Hill, Riley, and Dear, along with Crowell living up to the significant promise that made him one of the top high school prospects in America.
Hopefully, this injury is just a momentary setback, and he can get back to 100% in time to make his presence felt this spring.