Jam Miller's 7th Round selection by Patriots closes a difficult chapter for Alabama RBs

Alabama's post-Jahmyr Gibbs running back room has been a wasteland of talented, yet under-performing players.

Alabama has had four "featured" running backs since Gibbs entered the draft following the 2022 season. They've featured a 6th Round pick (Jase McClellan), two players who transferred out (Roydell Williams and Justice Haynes), and now a 7th Round pick.

Jam Miller, coming off a disappointing senior season, was selected 245th overall in the 7th Round by the New England Patriots.

Jam Miller selected in the 7th Round by the New England Patriots

It was a difficult season for Miller and the Alabama running game. It was practically non-existent, and Miller's struggles exacerbated it. He suffered a preseason injury where he dislocated his collarbone in Alabama's final scrimmage before the season started. He sat out three games, but never really found a rhythm between other injuries, which included a concussion against Missouri and a leg injury against Auburn.

Miller rushed for 504 yards and three touchdowns on just 3.9 yards per carry as a senior, but it's hard to blame the struggles solely on him. Yes, there was some inconsistent vision that was obvious on tape, but Alabama's offensive line was an abject disaster in the run game. Miller and the other Tide running backs could not reliably expect holes to open where they were supposed to, which led to more dancing and less conviction.

It was clear by Alabama's Transfer Portal activity that Kalen DeBoer and the staff felt the struggles were more to blame on the offensive line. Alabama completely overhauled that unit and hired a new coach in USC's Adrian Klemm to lead the unit up front.

And while Alabama was aggressive in trying to land NC State transfer Hollywood Smothers, they didn't heavily pursue anyone else after he flipped to Texas. Instead, DeBoer and company will rely on two impressive freshmen - 5-star EJ Crowell and the surprising Trae'shawn Brown - along with organic growth from guys like Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear.

While the problem wasn't solely on the backs, it has been clear since Gibbs went pro that the Crimson Tide hasn't had a real difference-maker in the RB room. Miller, and McClellan before him, were both solid backs, but not among the greats that have come through Tuscaloosa in the past.

Crowell will hopefully change that, and he'll get the added bonus of what should be better offensive line play in the coming years.

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