Is Richard Young set to Breakout for Alabama?

Alabama's history of running backs is a long and storied tradition in Tuscaloosa. From Heisman Trophy winners to first-round picks, playing running back at Alabama comes with a heavy expectation to carry on the tradition of excellence.

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However, Alabama's running backs have taken a backseat in recent years to stars at other positions. Jalen Milroe commanded the lion's share of carries due to how dynamic he was with the football in his hands in 2023 and 2024, and Jahmyr Gibbs was used more as a utility weapon than a pure running back in 2022. The last 1,000-yard rusher Alabama had was Bran Robinson in 2021, where he rushed for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns.

We already know what Jam Miller is in the Alabama running back room. He's a strong runner, but tends to dance behind the line of scrimmage. We've seen Miller break big runs for the Tide in his three years so far in Tuscaloosa.

Who is the next breakout star for the Tide at running back? There is no questioning the talent in the room, with Daniel Hill, Richard Young, Dre Washington, and AK Dear waiting in the wings behind Miller. Which one could be the next star in Alabama's backfield?

One candidate is Richard Young, a redshirt sophomore from Lehigh Acres, Florida. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds, Young can be a force to be reckoned with when he hits his gap at full speed.

Young played sparingly in 2024, with just 27 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns. However, he showed promise in the 2024 season as the third tailback behind Jam Miller and Justice Haynes.

His burst through the gap is something Alabama lacked in recent years, and his open-field vision is useful in finding the slightest edge to turn a five-yard gain into a 50-yard gain. He hasn't shown the breakaway speed that Alabama running backs have had in the past, but he can easily be a threat for the big play in the Tide's rushing attack.

Being the second back in a loaded running back room like Alabama's may not be ideal, but with Miller being the primary bell cow, Young will be well-rested and ready to capitalize on his opportunities in 2025. With Justice Haynes off the Ann Arbor, Michigan, Young will see more opportunity in 2025.

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_.