Football
Alabama gains commitment from in-state running back
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — A collective sigh of relief could be heard in the coaching staff room when the recruitment of 4-star running back Ezavier Crowell came to a close when he chose the Crimson Tide Thursday evening.
Crowell is among the top prospects at his position even following his reclassification up to the 2026 recruiting class.
When he takes the field, defenders don’t just brace for contact or move out of the way, they are in line to be on his highlight reel.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound running back from Jackson High School has torched defenses since his freshman year and is poised to make an immediate impact for the Crimson Tide next season.
Crowell sits just outside of 5-star status in 247sports composite rankings as the No. 33 ranked athlete for the 2026 class, No. 2 among running backs and the No. 3 athlete in Alabama.
While on his official visit last weekend, Crowell was able to meet with legendary coach Nick Saban which seemed to be a highlight of the trip for all in attendance.
— Ezavier Crowell (@EzavierCrowell) June 21, 2025
He rushed for 1,964 yards and 31 touchdowns during his sophomore season, leading Jackson High to the Class 4A state championship.
In just two seasons, he’s totaled 3,701 rushing yards and 56 touchdowns, averaging a first down at 11.1 yards per carry.
His game is built on balance as he combines short area quickness with elite contact balance, bouncing off defenders and making them miss due to his explosiveness in space.
The rising senior is almost impossible to bring down in the open field as he thrives in both zone and power schemes can make him a home run hitter at any point in a drive.
POWERRRRR! pic.twitter.com/EkENe5qLIi
— Ezavier Crowell (@EzavierCrowell) May 16, 2025
Crowell commits to Alabama over archrival Auburn, Texas, Georgia, and Florida State, Ohio State, Oregon, Michigan, Penn State and many others.
The addition of Crowell pushes Alabama inside of 247sports 2026 recruiting rankings top 15 for the first time at No. 4 among SEC teams and are No. 11 nationally, according to 247sports.
Alabama 2026 Recruiting Class
5-star CB Jordan Edmonds, 6-foot-3, 175 lbs., Sprayberry HS (Marietta, Ga.)
4-star RB Ezavier Crowell, 5-foot-11, 205 lbs., Jackson HS (Jackson, Ala.
4-star ATH Zyan Gibson, 6-foot, 174 lbs., Gadsden HS (Gadsden City, Ala.)
4-star OL Sam Utu, 6-foot-4, 320 lbs., Orange Lutheran HS (Orange, Ca.)
4-star ATH Mack Sutter, 6-foot-5, 230 lbs., Dunlap HS (Dunlap, Ill.)
4-star DE Jamarion Matthews, 6-foot-2, 240 lbs., Gainesville HS (Gainesville, Ga.)
4-star QB Jeff Thomalla, 6-foot-3.5, 205 lbs., Millard South HS (Omaha, Neb.)
4-star OL Chris Booker, 6-foot-4, 285 lbs., Hapeville Charter (Atlanta, Ga.)
3-star DE Kamhariyan Johnson, 6-foot-3, 262 lbs., Muscle Shoals HS (Muscle Shoals, Ala.)
3-star DL JJ Finch, 6-foot-3, 260 lbs., Warren Central HS (Indianapolis)
3-star DB Rihyael Kelley, 6-foot-3, 180 lbs., Winton Woods (Cincinnati)
3-star RB Javari Barnett, 5-foot-11.5, Tampa Bay Tech (Tampa, Fla.)
