One of the most encouraging roster-building signs for Kalen DeBoer, GM Courtney Morgan, and the rest of the Alabama staff has been their ability to evaluate prospects off the beaten path. Guys like Lotzeir Brooks and London Simmons, who came to Alabama as 3-star recruits before carving out significant roles as freshmen on the 2025 team.
Freshman RB Trae'shawn Brown appears set to be the latest example.
The 3-star RB who didn't get an offer from the Crimson Tide until the early signing period has been a revelation since arriving on campus back in the spring. He's been a standout even when the RB room has been fully healthy. With injuries to both AK Dear and EJ Crowell, his emergence has taken on even more importance.
Ryan Grubb offered a lot of praise for Brown after Monday's practice, at the same time revealing one trait that should allow the freshman to play a significant role right away:
“Really, really good empty-cut vision, meaning when he gets into a hole, blind cut defenders, he can see and feel that next guy," Grubb said about Brown. "Very good anticipatory skills. Great out of the backfield. Much better pass protector than people would think. They think because he’s short, but he plays down the middle of defenders; he’s got good feet, and he’s a smart kid. Impressive young player.”
Ryan Grubb's comment about Trae'shawn Brown's pass protection could open up a significant role for the Alabama freshman
You hear it all the time with young running backs. The key to them getting - and staying - on the field isn't how good they are running the football; it's how well they can pick up the blocking assignments and help to protect the QB in pass protection. That can be the single biggest thing that keeps a generational talent on the sideline. Just ask Derrick Henry.
To hear Grubb praise Brown for that is just a further indication that the freshman RB is going to play a significant role for the Crimson Tide this season.
Brown was a standout during last Thursday's scrimmage, and he's got an opportunity to solidify his spot in the rotation this week as Alabama gets set for its second and final scrimmage this Thursday.
Veterans Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley are likely the first two backs up in the season-opener against East Carolina, but Brown is breathing down their necks. Crowell could be, too, if he can get - and stay - healthy. He's missed a ton of reps due to injuries in both spring practice and fall camp.
There wasn't much expected from Brown when he signed with Alabama in December. Most viewed him as a depth piece unlikely to see much action outside of garbage time in his first season in Tuscaloosa.
But with less than three weeks to go until the season opener, Brown has positioned himself as a legitimate playmaker in the Alabama offense. There's no question now that he's going to play this year. The only question is how much, and whether the veterans can keep him from taking their spots.
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