Kalen DeBoer spoke to the media on Wednesday to wrap up Alabama's impressive 20-man haul for the 2026 signing class. There could be another player or two to join in the coming days/weeks/months, but for the most part, the work is done for this cycle, and DeBoer and company are now focusing their attention on the 2027 class.
It's a well-balanced group. There's quite a bit of high-end talent - from a 5-star RB, a couple of elite corners, big uglies on the line of scrimmage, and some intriguing signal callers. There's also plenty of upside swings in this class of undervalued guys who could outperform the ranking by their name.
This staff - led by GM Courtney Morgan - has proven repeatedly in two years in Tuscaloosa that they have an eye for talent.
You can bet several guys who aren't highly ranked will be instant impact guys for the Crimson Tide next season.
But one player was mentioned specifically by DeBoer as a player the staff believes can carve out an immediate role at Alabama. And he's not flying under the radar in the slightest.
It's 5-star RB EJ Crowell.
"He makes plays," DeBoer said about Crowell. "He can break tackles in small areas, he can run you over, he's got the ability to make you miss, and he ends up in the endzone, and he's got that finishing speed, too. ...I'm just really excited how he's going to come in. It's really kind of amazing when you think he should have another year and we're even thinking of him as a guy who can help us - just like a lot of these guys - as freshmen."
EJ Crowell is the RB Alabama has been missing
Alabama has been missing a difference-maker in the RB room since Jahmyr Gibbs left for the NFL. They've had their share of solid backs, but no true elite talent in the room for three years now. That will change the moment Crowell steps on campus.
The 5-star RB will have an opportunity to earn immediate playing time in Tuscaloosa. With Jam Miller and Dre Washington exhausting their eligibility, Alabama already has an opportunity for carries. That's not to mention how increasingly likely it is that Richard Young will hit the Transfer Portal.
That leaves Alabama with three returning running backs - Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, and AK Dear. All have shown promise, but Crowell is a different kind of athlete.
Alabama may target a running back in the portal just to have an extra body and a little more experience, but the infusion of talent the RB room has been missing is coming when Crowell enrolls. It wouldn't be much of a surprise if he quickly becomes the featured back in this system.