In Alabama’s backfield, Richard Young is displaying development and physicality.

In the high-stakes world of Alabama football, development is often rapid and unforgiving. With each season comes new competition, new expectations, and new opportunities for the next man up to make a name for himself. One player embodying this growth and grit in 2025 is sophomore running back Richard Young. After a relatively quiet freshman campaign, Young is now turning heads with a noticeable blend of development and physicality, injecting fresh energy into Alabama’s backfield.

Once a five-star recruit out of Lehigh Acres, Florida, Young came to Tuscaloosa with the kind of hype reserved for only the most elite high school prospects. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing in at 215 pounds, he boasted a sturdy frame, elite track speed, and the kind of violent running style Alabama fans have come to cherish. But like many first-year players in Nick Saban’s (and now Kalen DeBoer’s) system, he had to bide his time.

In his freshman season, Young found himself buried behind a loaded depth chart that included NFL-caliber talents. Carried just a handful of times, he often served as a special teams contributor while learning the nuances of the college game. But behind the scenes, he was putting in the work—grinding in the weight room, studying film, and adapting to the demands of the Crimson Tide’s complex offensive schemes.

Now, as the 2025 season kicks off, all that preparation is beginning to pay off.

A Physical Presence Emerging

At Alabama’s spring practices, Young has been a standout—not just for his athleticism, but for how physically assertive he’s running. He’s no longer just a promising name on the roster; he’s asserting himself as a legitimate contributor.

“Richard’s really starting to come into his own,” said Alabama running backs coach Robert Gillespie. “He’s running with confidence, lowering his pads, finishing runs, and showing that he’s not afraid to get physical in pass protection. That’s the kind of growth we want to see.”

Observers at spring practice have taken note of his decisiveness in the hole. Young is no longer dancing in the backfield—he’s making quick reads, planting his foot, and attacking defenders. His strength allows him to finish runs with authority, often dragging tacklers for extra yardage. But it’s not just the power that’s standing out—it’s the balance and maturity in his game.

“He’s seeing things quicker,” said quarterback Jalen Milroe. “That comes with time, reps, and confidence. And Rich has all of that building right now.”

Navigating a Crowded Backfield

Even with his emergence, Young’s role isn’t guaranteed. Alabama’s backfield in 2025 is as competitive as ever. Jam Miller and Justice Haynes are returning contributors with explosive potential. Haynes, in particular, had a breakout season in 2024, displaying versatility as both a runner and receiver. The arrival of true freshman phenom Kevin Riley—one of the top backs in the 2025 recruiting class—adds another dynamic piece.

But it’s that competition that’s sharpening Young.

“You can’t get comfortable here,” Young said in a recent media availability. “Every day, you’ve got to prove something. That’s what drives me. I’ve been watching guys like Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Robinson, and Najee [Harris] since I was a kid. Now I’m here trying to build my own legacy.”

And the coaching staff is giving him every opportunity to do so. In scrimmages and drills, Young is getting reps with the first-team offense. He’s also shown improvement in pass-catching, an area where Alabama is demanding more versatility from its backs under DeBoer’s offense.

“Richard has worked hard to be a complete back,” Gillespie said. “He’s always had the tools, but now he’s becoming dependable in every phase—rushing, receiving, blocking. That’s what earns playing time here.”

The Weight Room and Film Room Pay Off

Behind Young’s physical evolution is a rigorous offseason training regimen. He added lean muscle, refined his agility, and worked closely with the strength staff to increase explosiveness. But just as important as the physical side has been his mental development.

Young has become a film junkie. He studies not just Alabama’s playbook, but also NFL backs—focusing on footwork, decision-making, and how to manipulate defenders at the second level.

“You start to realize that playing running back here isn’t just about being fast or strong,” Young said. “It’s about understanding the game—knowing what the O-line is doing, seeing the safety rotation, recognizing blitz pickups. I’ve learned how to slow the game down.”

That mental processing has shown up in practice. Young is making quicker reads and identifying cutback lanes with more regularity. In blitz pickup drills, he’s standing up linebackers and showing improved technique with his hands and leverage. Coaches have praised his willingness to stick his nose in the pile, something that separates average backs from true three-down players.

Fit in the Kalen DeBoer Offense

With DeBoer now at the helm, Alabama’s offensive identity is shifting. Gone is the rigid, power-first style of the early Saban era; in its place is a more modern, fast-paced, and quarterback-friendly scheme that utilizes motion, spacing, and vertical threats. Running backs in this offense are expected to do more than just carry the ball—they must be reliable pass protectors, route runners, and screen targets.

Young’s development is positioning him well to thrive in this environment.

“He’s got great hands,” said offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan. “We’ve been getting him involved in some of the screen game, some angle routes out of the backfield. He’s a mismatch if you get him in space, especially once he builds up steam.”

As DeBoer and Sheridan look to get more creative with formations and personnel groupings, having a physical back like Young who can stay on the field in any situation provides a major advantage. He’s not just a short-yardage bruiser; he’s turning into a versatile, all-around weapon.

A Long Road Ahead—but the Ceiling Is High

Despite his rise, Young is quick to admit he’s still learning.

“I’m nowhere near where I want to be,” he said. “There’s always another level to reach. I’m just trying to stack good days, keep listening to my coaches, and stay ready.”

Alabama fans have seen this story before—a highly-touted back develops quietly for a year, then explodes onto the scene when the opportunity presents itself. From Mark Ingram to Derrick Henry to Josh Jacobs, the Tide’s history is rich with examples. Now, Richard Young seems to be next in line.

What sets Young apart isn’t just the raw talent—it’s the combination of humility and hunger. He speaks with the demeanor of a player who knows what he wants, but understands what it takes to get there. And in the grind of the SEC, that mindset matters just as much as speed or strength.

Coaches and Teammates Are Taking Notice

During interviews with players and coaches this spring, Young’s name keeps surfacing unprompted. Whether it’s linemen praising his decisiveness, or defenders noting how hard he is to bring down, the consensus is clear: he’s ascending.

“He’s one of the hardest workers on the team,” said offensive lineman Tyler Booker. “You see it in the weight room, in the film room, in walkthroughs. When a guy like that starts getting his shot, you want to block for him.”

That kind of respect from teammates doesn’t come easily. At Alabama, it’s earned through sweat, consistency, and toughness. Young has quietly built that foundation, and now the rewards are beginning to show.

A Potential Breakout Season in the Making?

As fall camp approaches, the big question remains: What will Young’s role be once the games start? Will he become part of a three-man rotation? Could he seize the RB1 role if he continues this upward trend?

There’s no clear answer yet, but the possibilities are exciting.

With Alabama’s offensive line reloading and Milroe growing more confident as a dual-threat quarterback, the running game could become a central pillar of the offense. And if Young continues to showcase his physicality, patience, and versatility, he could be one of the breakout stars of the SEC in 2025.

Expect him to be featured more prominently in early-season non-conference games, where the staff can experiment with different backfield combinations. If he capitalizes on those chances—and there’s every reason to believe he will—he could carve out a significant role that lasts the whole season.

Building a Legacy

Richard Young arrived at Alabama with sky-high expectations. He’s had to wait, work, and grow—but now, his time may finally be here.

His physical development is impossible to ignore. He’s no longer the freshman trying to adjust—he’s the sophomore making his case. With his combination of size, strength, balance, and now, a deeper understanding of the game, he’s primed to be an impact player in a backfield full of talent.

In the world of Alabama football, it’s not about how you start—it’s about how you respond to the process. Richard Young has embraced that process. And if his current trajectory continues, he won’t just be another name on the depth chart. He could be the next great Crimson Tide running back, ready to leave his mark on the program’s storied legacy.