Alabama’s Grubb promises offense will be committed to running the football
Alabama Crimson Tide football has started spring practice this week. After a roller coaster of a season last year, Alabama has made some significant changes since the new year. One of them is bringing former Seattle Seahawks and Washington Huskies offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb down to Tuscaloosa.
Grubb reunites with head coach Kalen DeBoer after working with him for over 15 years. Dating back to 2007 when he served as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator at Sioux Falls.
During his first two years at Washington, he became one of the top coordinators in the country. The Huskies led the nation in passing yards per game, first downs per game, and third down percentage, and placed second in total offense.
In 2023, Washington also made it to the National Championship, won the PAC-12, and had leading quarterback Michael Penix finish as the Heisman runner-up. Despite all the success he had with the Huskies, he unfortunately was not able to replicate that once he was at the Seahawks.
After an underwhelming first season, the Seahawks fired Ryan Grubb due to his inability to have a consistent run game. This past year the Seahawks finished 28th in the league in rushing yards per game.
Alabama had a similar story on the offensive side of the ball. Inconsistent quarterback play and inability to rely on a run game led the team to struggle in games later in the season.
Going forward, Grubb will serve as the main play caller and stated that he wants to keep the foot on the gas. Allowing for the offense to take advantage of what the defense gives them.
“We’re gonna be aggressive. When it works best the players understand that we have to be responsible with the football. Not go backwards and make sure we’re always matriculating the ball down the field but then be ready for an opportunity to take the shot,” Grubb said.
Alabama Crimson Tide has not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Brian Robinson Jr. in 2021. This was also the last time they made it to the National Championship game, which finished with a loss 33-18 to Georgia. Despite the previous issues and concerns with running the ball, Grubb knows how crucial it is for the offense and has a plan for the running game this season.
“We want to be physical and technical. So, for us, we’re pretty wide as far as the type of runs that we run, just like we always have been. We know that to win the late games and the playoffs and things like that, there has to be a mindset and demeanor that you gotta be able to run the football,” Grubb said.
After second-leading running back Justice Haynes transferred to Michigan, Alabama has added more depth to the backfield. This includes Louisiana transfer running back Dre’lyn Washington and the second highest rated running back in the class of 2025, Akylin Dear.
Veteran running back, Jam Miller is returning for his senior season. Last year he recorded 145 touches for 668 yards and seven touchdowns. He stated that he is excited about the new faces that have joined him in the RB room.
“I love them guys. Right now, they are in the learning stage. Learning plays and a whole new offense. We are all working on getting better,” Miller said.
With spring practice underway, Alabama is embracing a fresh start with a new offensive coordinator. His aggressive play-calling philosophy and emphasis on a balanced attack aim to address the offensive struggles that plagued the Crimson Tide last season.
As Alabama works through its spring practices leading up to A-Day, all eyes will be on how Grubb’s system takes shape and whether it can propel the Tide back to championship contention.