In the wake of the unexpected loss of Justice Haynes to Michigan via the transfer portal, Kalen DeBoer and Alabama football found themselves in need of bolstering their running back room. While the program already had some talent at the position, including rising senior Jam Miller and a few incoming recruits, the need for veteran depth was undeniable. In a move that would fill that gap, Alabama secured the commitment of Dre’lyn Washington, a seasoned running back from Louisiana, late Monday night.
A Key Addition to the Alabama Backfield
Dre’lyn Washington’s arrival at Alabama represents a significant boost to the Crimson Tide’s running back room as they head into the 2025 season. After spending three productive seasons at Louisiana, Washington established himself as one of the most consistent and reliable backs in the Sun Belt Conference. Over the course of his career, Washington amassed 1,343 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per carry. His ability to consistently gain yardage and break off big runs makes him a valuable asset for a team like Alabama, which often relies on a powerful rushing attack to control the tempo of the game.
In 2024, Washington battled some injuries that limited his production at times, but he still managed to put up solid numbers, rushing for 478 yards on a career-high 6.5 yards per carry. This performance, especially considering the challenges he faced throughout the season, highlights his toughness and potential to contribute at a high level when healthy.
The Situation at Alabama’s Running Back Position
The departure of Justice Haynes to Michigan left a noticeable void in the Alabama backfield. Haynes, a talented and highly regarded back, had been expected to play a pivotal role in the Crimson Tide’s rushing attack during the 2025 season. His decision to enter the transfer portal caught many by surprise, forcing Alabama to pivot and find a suitable replacement.
With Haynes gone, Jam Miller became the most experienced running back remaining on Alabama’s roster. Miller, a rising senior, has been a solid contributor over his first few seasons but has not yet fully established himself as the unquestioned starter. His experience, however, makes him a key piece for Alabama’s backfield, and his leadership will be crucial moving forward.
Behind Miller, Alabama had a few younger options who were still relatively unproven at the collegiate level. Richard Young, entering his third year with the team, has shown flashes of potential but has only accumulated 36 career carries—most of which came in blowout situations where he was able to gain some experience but not make a significant impact. As a result, Alabama was left with limited options in terms of experienced ball carriers.
To address this, Alabama turned to the transfer portal, a tool that has become increasingly important in the current college football landscape. The Crimson Tide already had some success in the portal, having signed four-star recruits Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley in the 2024 class. However, neither of these players had taken a meaningful snap at the college level, making them unknown commodities for the upcoming season. Additionally, Alabama added another four-star running back, AK Dear, in the 2025 class, who is ranked as the No. 2 running back in the country. While Dear is a highly talented player, it remains uncertain how quickly he will be able to contribute at the collegiate level, especially as a freshman.
Why Dre’lyn Washington Makes Sense for Alabama
Given the inexperience in Alabama’s backfield, Washington’s addition is a smart move. He brings not only depth but also a wealth of experience that the team was lacking after Haynes’ departure. While Washington is not expected to challenge Jam Miller for the starting role, he will provide solid competition for the younger players on the roster, pushing them to improve and develop.
One of the key reasons Washington fits well into Alabama’s current situation is his ability to be a reliable depth piece. With only one season of eligibility remaining, he’s unlikely to block the younger players’ path to significant playing time beyond 2025. This is an important consideration, as it allows the younger backs, such as Young, Hill, and Riley, to continue developing without fear of Washington staying in Tuscaloosa for an extended period. His role will likely be to complement Miller and help guide the younger backs while providing a steady presence in the backfield for Alabama.
Furthermore, Washington’s presence will help mitigate the pressure on the incoming players, such as Dear, who are still adjusting to the college game. By adding a veteran back who can take on a meaningful role, DeBoer and Alabama can ensure that the program has a reliable option if the younger players are not ready for immediate contributions. Washington’s well-rounded skill set will also allow him to contribute in various aspects of the offense, whether it be as a ball carrier, pass blocker, or even a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to function in multiple phases of the game makes him a versatile asset who can provide depth in numerous ways.
The Transfer Portal’s Impact on Alabama’s Roster
Washington’s commitment also represents Alabama’s strategic use of the transfer portal to supplement its roster. As the Crimson Tide continue to recruit and develop young talent, the portal allows them to plug immediate needs without sacrificing long-term success. Alabama’s coaching staff has been active in using the portal to strengthen its roster, and Washington’s commitment is the seventh addition for the program in the 2024-2025 transfer portal cycle.
As of now, Alabama has seen 23 players from its 2024 roster enter the portal, a trend that reflects the fluid nature of college football rosters in today’s landscape. The impact of the transfer portal on Alabama has been significant, allowing the program to remain competitive by addressing weaknesses and acquiring experienced players who can make an immediate impact. For a team like Alabama, which has consistently been at the top of college football, the ability to retain and add high-level talent is essential for maintaining its place among the elite programs.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The addition of Dre’lyn Washington to the running back room will provide Alabama with the veteran depth they need as they prepare for the 2025 season. With Miller leading the way and Washington offering solid backup, the Crimson Tide will be able to navigate a season that features several highly regarded recruits and a competitive schedule. The team’s success will depend not only on the contributions of its experienced players but also on how well the younger backs develop and adjust to the demands of college football.
For Kalen DeBoer, Washington’s arrival represents an important move to stabilize the backfield while continuing to build for the future. As the Crimson Tide enter the 2025 season, the combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent will be critical for Alabama to regain its footing as one of the top programs in the country. Washington may only have one year of eligibility left, but his experience and physicality will be crucial in helping Alabama make the most of the 2025 campaign.
