Daniel Hill's offseason work with a former Auburn RB could transform Alabama's run game

Daniel Hill has heard all the noise. Since the end of last season, the consensus among fans and media has been that Alabama desperately needed an upgrade to the RB room. It's why the Crimson Tide heavily pursued NC State transfer Hollywood Smothers.

But Smothers flipped his commitment from Alabama to Texas, leaving Kalen DeBoer and the coaching staff to hope for organic growth from the returnees, along with a couple of impressive freshmen in EJ Crowell and Trae'shawn Brown, to elevate the ground game.

Last season was one of the worst rushing seasons in school history for Alabama. The offensive line wasn't good enough, but neither was the backfield. Alabama finished 132nd out of 138 FBS teams in rushing success rate, per Game on Paper.

It has felt like a foregone conclusion, and just a matter of time, before the 5-star Crowell surpasses Hill on the depth chart and becomes Alabama's featured back.

Hill is doing everything he can not to allow that to happen. That includes working with former Auburn RB turned offseason RB coach Brad Lester. The former Tigers tailback has posted some recent clips to social media showing the work Hill has put in while working out with Florida RB Jadan Baugh:

Daniel Hill looks noticeably leaner and more explosive in workout clips

Hill was 240+ pounds throughout last season, but is now listed on Alabama's roster at 236 pounds, and he may be a little smaller than that at this point.

Hill carved out a key role for the Crimson Tide's offense in 2025, rushing for 284 yards and six touchdowns to go along with 203 yards and a touchdown as a receiver. He was a three-yards and a cloud of dust type runner, and he's hoping getting leaner will allow him to become more explosive as a junior.

Hill will likely open the season as Alabama's starting RB. How he performs will determine whether he's able to hold onto it. Returners Kevin Riley and AK Dear will be looking to make a move in fall camp to try to steal some carries away from Hill.

Crowell and Brown are two talented freshmen who seem likely to carve out immediate roles. Crowell is the most talented high school RB recruit for Alabama since Najee Harris. Brown wasn't highly ranked like Crowell, but he was revelatory in spring practice and could also compete for early playing time.

Hill is the leader of the group right now. If he can add some explosiveness and consistency, he'll have a clear role in the backfield all year long, even if Crowell's talent becomes undeniable.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow