The Top 5 Alabama Crimson Tide Running Backs of All-Time

By Oliver Wiener June 07, 2024 07:53

One of the most storied positions in all of sports is that of the Running Back. In college football and throughout the NFL as well and throughout the history of the Alabama Crimson Tide, there may not be a position more definitive of the team than those of the running backs.

In this list, we discuss the careers, accomplishments, and influence of the best five running backs in Alabama Crimson Tide history and demonstrate why these players are so highly regarded.

1. Derrick Henry

Derrick Henry is one of the undisputed best running backs to ever play at Alabama Crimson Tide.

He was a sensational presence on the playing field with his towering presence and lightning pace.

Career Achievements

The former Heisman Trophy winner ranks second in Alabama history with 3,591 rushing yards and ties for second in rushing touchdowns with 41 career scores

He would go on to break almost every program and conference record before he finished and got his team a national championship.

In 2015, Henry won the coveted Heisman Trophy, which established Henry as one of the best players in college football.

Impact

Henry and his incredible on the field talent and unique mix of speed and power, made him the perfect player for the running back position.

Rather, his milestone Heisman moment was his transcendent performance against LSU that re-established him as the Heisman favorite.

2. Mark Ingram

There is no denying the influence of Mark Ingram on the football program of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Those accomplishments and performances have caused him to be considered as one of the best running backs to ever play at the college.

Career Achievements

2009 Ingram becomes Alabama's 1st Heisman winner Alabama's 1st Heisman Trophy winner had a standout season.

He finished his college career as Alabama's all-time leading rusher in single game, single season and career rushing yards before the Saban era began on the Capstone.

Impact

Ingram's Heisman-winning season and his career resume of steady performances while at Alabama would seemingly have him etched in stone as one of the best to ever do it.

3. Derrick Humphrey

One-time nation's leading third-down back who had a reputation for his blazing speed, power, and agility during his tenure with 'Bama.

Career Achievements

At that time, Humphrey held the single season rushing record at Alabama with 3,420 yards.

He was a three-year starter at Alabama before leaving early for the draft, with a reliable track record of excellent college play.

Impact

His quick slashing cuts and spins to get out of trouble were sensational and combined with his abilities as a pass receiver, he was a versatile and exciting player to see in person.

His impact was indelible on Alabama's offense and he would have surpassed 4,000 career yards if not for a broken foot that prematurely ended his senior season.

4. Trent Richardson

The powerful and athletic running style of Trent Richardson made an impact that Alabama Crimson Tides football team will never forget.

McElroy's steady play and McElroy's no-final straw nature have put him in the ring as one of the best in school history, and his daily advances should make him one of the best running backs of all time.

Career Achievements

He followed in the footsteps of 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram in ensuring the Alabama backfield remained a place of power and talent.

He was dominant in his final season at Alabama (Doak Walker Award winner, All-American and Heisman finalist).

Impact

For the markup of the field Richardson proved to be a force to be reckoned with, as his power, speed, and agility were at the height of his 172 cm (5 ft 8 in) stature.

Those flashes of greatness which included the Ole Miss ankle breaker and the Auburn 205 yard outburst shot him to the top of the charts of best backs ever in the program.

5. Damien Harris

Damien Harris will go down as one of the best running backs of the Nick Saban era at Alabama for his hard work and consistency.

This is in addition to his leadership, big plays, and dedication that help to make him one of the best running backs in the program's history.

Career Achievements

Harris is the all-time Alabama leader for in career rushing yards, touchdowns, and total touchdowns, proving he has been one of the most impactful Crimson Tide players in their history

He was a huge reason Alabama was able to win multiple national and SEC Championships.

Impact

Harris' ability to adapt to the changes in the game - not just with the emergence of the spread, but with an evolving passing game - demonstrated both versatility and adaptability.

Harris's steady performances between the lines and penchant for the big play when the time was right will help him take his place among the best running backs to ever wear a Crimson Tide uniform.

Here we reach the end of Fan Arch's list of the top five best Alabama Crimson Tide running backs of all-time. Their unprecedented talents, unheralded success and unmatched commitment has made them some of the most prolific players ever to play for the Crimson Tide.

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