Alabama Crimson Tide has become known throughout the show’s history for its incredible running game. When you look back at the many NFL running backs (past and current) who played for Crimson Tide, it’s incredible how much talent Alabama has produced, and still continues to produce.
Even before Nick Saban’s arrival at Tuscaloosa in 2007, Alabama has had plenty of amazing runners like Shaun Alexander, Kenneth Darby, Bobby Humphrey and many more. And under Nick Saban, the talent is even more impressive when you look at Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, Damien Harris and more.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 Alabama runners of all time. It’s important to note that the top 10 named top runners are based on their career yards, not just on the season’s individual stats. In some cases, some players may have had more individual season yards than another player, but this article focuses on career statistics.
Dennis Riddle (1994-1997)
Alabama coach Gene Stallings walks the sidelines during Tide’s 10-3 victory over Louisiana State University on Saturday, November 4, 1995 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala. On the left is running back Dennis Riddle, who had a 174-yard run and only touchdown games. (AP Photo / stf)
Riddle logged 2,645 career yards to go along with 23 touchdowns. He also averaged 4.3 yards per carry. Riddle also had 554 yards receiving 4 touchdowns.
9 Johnny Musso (1969-1971)
Alabama runner Johnny Musso is shown in this 1971 photo. The exact date and location are unknown. (AP Photo)
In his Alabama career, Musso had 2,741 career yards along with 34 touchdowns. He averaged 4.8 yards per carry. Musso also recorded 495 receiving yards for 4 touchdowns.
8 Damien Harris (2015-2018)
January 7, 2019; Santa Clara, California, United States; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Damien Harris (34) against the Clemson Tigers in the 2019 College Football Championship game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Damien Harris recorded 3,070 yards for 23 touchdowns, and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. Harris also had 407 receiving yards for 2 touchdowns.
7 Trent Richardson (2009-2011)
January 7, 2010; Pasadena, CA, United States; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the 2010 BCS National Championship game against the Texas Longhorns in the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Richardson posted 3,130 yards for 35 touchdowns, and an average of 5.8 yards per carry. He also had 730 receiving yards for 7 other touchdowns in his career.
6 Mark Ingram Jr. (2008-2010)
January 7, 2010; Pasadena, CA, United States; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Mark Ingram (22) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the 2010 BCS National Championship game against the Texas Longhorns in the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Ingram was the first winner of the Crimson Tide Heisman Trophy. He had 3,261 yards per run for 42 touchdowns, and an average of 5.7 yards per carry. Ingram also had 670 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.
5 TJ Yeldon (2012-2014)
Alabama running back TJ Yeldon (4) runs over LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo (49) for the forward touchdown to beat LSU 21-17 during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, March 3. November 2012 in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo / Butch Dill)
Yeldon recorded 3,322 career yards for 37 touchdowns, and an average of 5.8 yards per carry. Yeldon also had 494 receiving yards in his career for 2 other touchdowns.
4 Kenneth Darby (2003-2006)
November 18, 2006 Tuscaloosa, AL, USA: Alabama running back Crimson Tide (34) Kenneth Darby carries the ball as linebacker for the Auburn Tigers (42) Patrick Trahan prepares to face him during the first half at the Iron Bowl at the Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, AL. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2006 Marvin Gentry
Darby had 3,324 career rushing yards along with 11 touchdowns for 4.7 yards per carry. Darby also had 340 yards receiving 2 touchdowns.
3 Bobby Humphrey (1985-1988)
Bobby Humphrey executes a touchdown of more than 60 yards in the end zone to score against Washington during the first quarter of the Sun Bowl in El Paso on Thursday, December 25, 1986. (AP Photo / David Breslauer)
Humphrey had 3,420 yards per run, 33 touchdowns and 5.6 yards per carry. He also had 523 receiving yards for 7 other touchdowns in his career.
2 Shaun Alexander (1997-1999)
October 23, 1999: Shaun Alexander # 37 of the Alabama Crimson Tide walks the field during the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Volunteers defeated the Crimson Tide 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Elsa Hasch / Allsport
Alexander had an incredible 3,565 yards rushing for 41 touchdowns and 4.9 yards rushing. Alexander also had 798 yards receiving for 8 other touchdowns in his career.
1 Derrick Henry (2013-2015)
December 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, United States; Alabama Crimson running back Tide Derrick Henry (2) runs the ball against Michigan State Spartans linebacker Darien Harris (45), defensive end Joel Heath (92) and cornerback Arjen Colquhoun (36) in the third quarter in the 2015 CFP semi-final at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Not only was Henry the second winner of the Alabama Heisman Trophy, he is also the greatest Crimson Tide rider of all time. He ended his career in Alabama with 3,591 yards and 42 touchdowns for 6 yards per carry. He also had 285 receiving yards for 3 other touchdowns.
