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Alabama RB Daniel Hill Slims Down, Focuses on Pass Protection
The junior running back has shed 8 pounds and is working to improve his blocking ahead of the 2026 season.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:36pm
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An abstract illustration captures the complex geometry and motion of a running back evading defenders on the football field.Tuscaloosa TodayAlabama running back Daniel Hill has undergone a significant body transformation this offseason, dropping 8 pounds to get down to 236 pounds. Hill says he had to cut out some of his junk food habits, and the changes have him feeling faster and healthier. In addition to his physical improvements, Hill is also focused on improving his pass protection skills, which he sees as a key area to work on heading into his junior year.
Why it matters
As a key part of Alabama's offense, Hill's ability to protect the quarterback and stay on the field will be crucial to the team's success. His offseason work to improve his physique and pass blocking technique could make him an even more valuable asset in the Crimson Tide backfield.
The details
Hill said he and the Alabama coaching staff discussed ways to improve his game in the offseason, and they decided adjusting his body composition would help him be more successful. He cut out some of his junk food intake and increased his cardio, shedding 8 pounds to get down to 236. Hill mentioned cookies as a particular weakness, but he's already feeling the benefits of the changes, saying he feels faster and healthier, with fewer nagging injuries. In addition to his physical transformation, Hill is also focused on improving his pass protection skills, which he sees as an area he needs to work on after giving up a few sacks last season. He didn't get much experience with pass blocking in high school, so he's working to better translate the technique and schematic knowledge from the classroom to the playing field.
- Hill played at 244 pounds last season.
- Hill is now listed at 236 pounds on Alabama's updated roster.
The players
Daniel Hill
A junior running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.
Alabama Crimson Tide
The football team of the University of Alabama.
What they’re saying
“Just here and there, junk food a little bit. I wasn't eating a lot of junk food, but it was just here and there. I had to cut that out.”
— Daniel Hill, Alabama Running Back
“I feel good. I feel way faster, my body feels better. Like all the little knack injuries, I'm not having those anymore. I just feel better as a whole.”
— Daniel Hill, Alabama Running Back
“Pass pro. I wanted to do better in pass pro. I know I gave up a few sacks last year, and as a running back, that just can't happen. We've got to protect the quarterback. That's something that I feel like I need to work on, and I'm going to continue to work on it.”
— Daniel Hill, Alabama Running Back
What’s next
Hill will continue to work on his pass protection skills throughout Alabama's spring practices and into the 2026 season, with the goal of keeping the quarterback upright and earning more playing time in the Crimson Tide backfield.
The takeaway
Daniel Hill's offseason transformation shows his commitment to improving his game and becoming a more well-rounded player for Alabama. By shedding weight and focusing on pass protection, he's positioning himself to be an even more valuable asset in the Crimson Tide offense this fall.
