Saban Provides Updates on Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams

Nick Saban expressed some serious optimism about the running back position headed into this season in his weekly media availability Wednesday evening after the Crimson Tide finished the 2021 season with just two healthy scholarship running backs in Brian Robinson and Trey Sanders.

After being buried on the depth chart most of their 2020 freshman year behind Najee Harris and Brian Robinson, two players who looked to be emerging as stars during their sophomore campaigns in 2021, Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, both had their seasons cut short due to injury.

McClellan suffered a season ending knee injury early in October against Ole Miss, and Williams also injured his knee late in November against New Mexico State.

McClellan, who had established himself as the clear No. 2 behind Brian Robinson, caught 10 passes for 97 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 191 yards and a score on the ground.

Before his injury late in the season, Williams ran for 284 yards and a touchdown as well as catching five passes for 57 yards and a touchdown.

"They’re doing great. They’re in black jerseys. They’re both practicing non-contact. Jase is a little ahead of Roydell because he got hurt a month earlier. But they’re both doing fine."

Coach Saban also expressed confidence in the running back room as a whole outside of just McClellan and Williams however, singing the praises of Trey Sanders as well as incoming freshman and early enrollee Jamarion Miller.

"I don’t know, that’s not an issue on our team at all. We’ve got lots of good players there and we’ll have plenty of depth when the other guys get back."

After such a thin depth chart to finish the season at the running back position this past fall, Crimson Tide fans will be thrilled to get back to the seemingly limitless revolving door of talent they are used to from their tail backs this season.