One of Alabama’s emerging playmakers on offense continues to see his role evolve, going from contributor to starter and now focal point
Alabama apparently likes what it’s seeing from one of its emerging young playmakers on offense.
The Alabama Crimson Tide got its first win of the 2025 season on Saturday night. Not only that, but redshirt freshman Kevin Riley got his first career start at running back, which probably shouldn’t have been all that surprising considering his effective, yet underrated performance against Florida State last weekend.
Riley only got six touches (five carries, one reception) against the Seminoles, but he was efficient with most of his opportunities, racking up 35 total yards (31 of which were on the ground). That production, on top of his performance in practice, had apparently been enough for the Tuscaloosa native to earn a spot in the starting lineup against Louisiana-Monroe.
That decision led to more opportunities for Riley, as he got 17 touches. His 11 carries paced the Crimson Tide, and so did his six catches and six targets. The next highest usage on the entire offense was Richard Young, who six touches total (all carries). So in other words, Riley wasn’t just a starter, he was a focal point.
Soon after the 73-0 win over the Warhawks, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked about the young runner, and the decision to move him up the depth chart.
Kevin Riley receives praise from DeBoer
“I think from the running back position, it’s a group effort,” DeBoer told reporters. “We just liked that play with Kevin, so that’s how he got in there right away. I don’t have stats in front of me, but I think he had most carries on the team. I’m not sure on that, but he’s done a good job, the last probably three weeks — four weeks. Middle of camp, he really kind of turned it up.
“There’s some things that he can do that are a little different from the rest of the group there. I like the way he picks up his knees and runs hard. Inside, outside. Got a little burst. Does a nice job catching the ball out of the backfield. I think he’s really picked up the understanding and responsibility when it comes to pass protection, too.”
Can Kevin Riley keep it going?
Jam Miller is expected back sooner rather than later. Will he be able to return by next weekend when Alabama takes on Wisconsin? That’s yet to be determined, but at the very least, the senior runner should be back for the Georgia matchup in Week 5, which comes after the Crimson Tide’s bye week.
Granted, Miller might not immediately assume his role atop the depth chart, and even if he does, it’s possible that he’s on a pitch count in the early stages of his return. At some point, he’s likely to assume his role as the clear-cut top option, but I don’t think Riley is going away after seeing his performance through the first two weeks of the season.
His burst and feel for playing the position have been exceptional, and his overall play can continue to help Alabama in its search for explosive playmakers. Really, Riley can add bring that element to the run and passing game. If I had to guess, Miller will continue to be the most trusted option in pass pro, and he’s an explosive runner and receiver as well. But that 1-2 punch while sprinkling in Richard Young and Daniel Hill situationally could be just what the doctor ordered.
I’m intrigued by how this running back room is developing, especially with freshman AK Dear flashing in his mop up opportunities.
