Why Was Alabama Freshman RB Limited During Thursday’s Practice?

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The media were allowed to view 13 minutes of Alabama's third spring practice on Thursday morning, with reporters spotting five-star freshman running back EJ Crowell standing on the side and not participating in drills during the three periods the media were allowed to see.

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The former five-star from Jackson, Alabama, was toward the back of the Tide's running back rotation in a practice video released by the University of Alabama on Sunday for Alabama's first spring practice, but that was expected as a true freshman.

Why was Crowell limited on Thursday? Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said it's nothing to worry about.

"Just soft tissue deal. He's OK. Just being cautious," Grubb said. "We 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, you know, when we get back. So, just probably erring on the side of caution. But he's looked great and done a great job."

The Tide's coaching staff is excited to see the young freshman step in after enrolling early at Alabama. It's a healthy competition at running back after Jam Miller's departure to the NFL after last season.

"Sky's the limit for him," Grubb said. "I mean, I think that's a really, really competitive room. I look at the guys that have been there, you know, Daniel [Hill] and Kevin [Riley], that have been - just even their preparation and their mindset right now is really different. I mean, just Daniel looks great. He's hovering in the low 230s. You know, last year at this time, he was probably in the 250s. And he just looks quicker, more powerful, sudden. And Kevin's got another step to him right now. So I think that competition in the room with those guys in AK Dear is really the whole room has gotten better."

Alabama will continue spring practice on Friday, March 13.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.