The Alabama Crimson Tide enter the 2025 season with an unexpected challenge: managing the absence of star running back Jam Miller, who is sidelined with an upper-body injury. While Miller is expected to return by SEC play, his absence in the early weeks of the season forces Alabama to adapt offensively. Under offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, the Tide are turning to their depth, with much of the early spotlight falling on Daniel Hill—a versatile back with the tools to keep the offense balanced while Miller recovers.
Hill, a highly regarded recruit, has quickly become one of the more intriguing players on the roster. Known for his versatility, Hill offers a dynamic skill set that allows Grubb to be creative with play-calling. At 6-foot and over 220 pounds, he has the size to run between the tackles, but his quickness and pass-catching ability make him dangerous on the perimeter and in third-down situations. This all-around profile is exactly what Alabama needs as it retools the backfield for the start of the season.
Grubb’s offensive system, imported from his time with Kalen DeBoer at Washington, emphasizes pace, precision, and spreading the field. While the system traditionally thrives on strong quarterback play and explosive receivers, a balanced rushing attack remains crucial. Miller was expected to be that anchor, but in his absence, Hill is now tasked with ensuring the offense doesn’t become one-dimensional. Early scrimmages have shown him taking significant reps with the first-team offense, and coaches have praised his adaptability and maturity in seizing the opportunity.
The focus on Hill doesn’t mean Alabama will rely on him alone. The Tide have several young backs who will be rotated into the offense, including Justice Haynes and Richard Young, each of whom brings a different style to the table. Still, Hill’s versatility gives him a clear edge in becoming the primary option. His ability to line up in multiple formations—even split wide in certain packages—adds a layer of unpredictability that Grubb can exploit against defenses.
What makes this situation particularly interesting is how it could accelerate Hill’s development. Freshmen and sophomores often need time to adjust to SEC defenses, but Miller’s injury thrusts Hill into the spotlight sooner than expected. If he thrives, Alabama could emerge from September with a deeper and more experienced backfield once Miller returns. That possibility turns what initially looked like a setback into a potential long-term advantage.
Of course, the offensive line will play a critical role in easing the transition. Alabama’s front five looked solid in fall camp, and their ability to create lanes for Hill and the other backs will determine how effective the run game can be. Without a reliable ground attack, defenses may key in on Alabama’s passing game, which, while talented, would be under added pressure without balance.
Ultimately, Miller’s absence is testing Alabama’s depth and flexibility. For Ryan Grubb, it is also an opportunity to showcase the adaptability of his system. Daniel Hill’s emergence will be a storyline to watch in the early weeks, and if he delivers on his potential, Alabama could find itself with a breakout star. By the time Miller returns, the Tide might not only regain their top rusher but also have a more dangerous and versatile offense than originally expected.
