Alabama has secured a significant recruiting victory with the commitment of **Ezavier “EJ” Crowell**, Rivals’ No. 1 running back in the Class of 2026, to the Crimson Tide on June 26, 2025. This marks a major early-season coup for head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff as they continue to build momentum for the future ([n.rivals.com][1]).
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## 🌟 Crowell: Reclassified Star from Jackson High
* **Reclassification and Profile**
At just 17 years old, Crowell made a strategic move in January by reclassifying from the 2027 class into 2026. He stands at 5’11” and weighs approximately 200 lbs—an explosive, dynamic back whose skill set blends power, speed, and route-running ability ([rollbamaroll.com][2]).
* **High School Production**
In his first two varsity seasons at Jackson High School (AL), he compiled nearly 2,000 rushing yards each year—1,737 with 25 touchdowns as a freshman in 2023 and 1,964 with 31 scores as a sophomore in 2024—as well as six receiving touchdowns, totaling over **3,700 yards and 62 touchdowns** across both seasons ([rollbamaroll.com][2]).
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## 🐘 Why Alabama Was the Right Fit
* **In-State Loyalty**
Crowell chose Alabama over powerhouse finalists like Auburn, Georgia, Texas, and Florida State. As a native Alabamian, staying in-state under DeBoer was a compelling narrative for both him and the program ([si.com][3]).
* **Recruiting Relationships**
He made more than 15 visits to Tuscaloosa, including an official visit on the weekend of June 20. His strong bond with running backs coach Robert Gillespie and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb stood out consistently throughout the process ([n.rivals.com][1]).
* **Program Culture**
Crowell praised Alabama’s culture, describing every visit as “amazing” and highlighting how the Tide’s environment “can’t fake the culture … it’s built into everything they do.” These sentiments, reinforced after each visit, included strong endorsements from current players and coaches about his projected role in the offense ([n.rivals.com][1]).
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## 🔥 Immediate Impact Forecast
* **NFL-Level Talent**
Rivals ranks him as the No. 1 running back in the class, and ESPN/National services also place him among the top three backfield talents nationwide, underscoring his elite pedigree ([n.rivals.com][1]).
* **Ready to Compete**
Analysts believe Crowell could earn significant playing time right away. With the Tide’s depth chart seeing departures—such as Justice Haynes entering the transfer portal and Jamarion Miller nearing the end of eligibility—Crowell could emerge as an early-impact contributor ([reddit.com][4], [sportskeeda.com][5]).
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## 🏗️ Strengthening the 2026 Class
* **Class Momentum**
This commitment marks Alabama’s eleventh total commitment in the 2026 cycle and joins a wave of new pledges in June—among them QB Jett Thomalla, OL Sam Utu, DL JJ Finch, RB Javari Barnett, and S/DB Rihyael Kelley ([rollbamaroll.com][6]).
* **In-State Recruiting Revitalization**
Landing Crowell represents a turnaround in Alabama’s ability to attract top local talent. The Tide had faced challenges keeping homegrown five-star prospects during the transition to DeBoer, but Crowell’s commitment signals renewed dominance in their backyard ([tdalabamamag.com][7], [bamahammer.com][8]).
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## 🗓️ What’s Next
* **Signing Day Highlights**
Crowell is expected to sign during the December Early Signing Period. Meanwhile, Alabama continues to pursue other top talent including five-star WR Cederian Morgan (announcement – July 2) and five-star safety Jireh Edwards (July 5), among others ([rollbamaroll.com][6]).
* **Future Position Dynamics**
Crowell joins a backfield room featuring Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley from the 2024 cycle, as well as new 2025 signees. His presence promises to elevate competition and reshape the Tide’s offensive identity ([reddit.com][9], [bamahammer.com][8]).
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## 🧩 Final Take
Ezavier Crowell’s commitment to Alabama is a significant triumph for Kalen DeBoer and his staff—securing the nation’s top RB in the class, bolstering in-state recruiting strength, and adding a talent who could contribute immediately. His reclassification pushed up a season, his production speaks volumes, and his alignment with Alabama’s culture forecasts a promising college career. As Signing Day approaches and Alabama continues to compete for national supremacy on the recruiting trail, Crowell’s pledge already solidifies itself as a key building block for future success.