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Alabama RB Hill Drops Weight, Aims to Improve Pass Protection
Daniel Hill sheds 8 pounds in offseason to boost explosiveness and reduce injuries.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:21pm
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An abstract, cubist-inspired illustration captures the explosive power and dynamism of an Alabama running back breaking free.Tuscaloosa TodayAlabama running back Daniel Hill dropped 8 pounds from 2025 to 2026, going from 244 to 236 pounds. Hill said the weight loss has already helped reduce nagging injuries, and he is focused on improving his pass protection skills, which he felt were a weakness last season. With the departure of last year's primary back Jam Miller, Hill is competing for an expanded role in the Crimson Tide's offense alongside fellow returnees Kevin Riley and AK Dear, as well as incoming freshmen EJ Crowell and Trae'Shawn Brown.
Why it matters
Alabama's running game struggled at times last season, and Hill's weight loss and focus on pass protection could help bolster the Tide's ground attack and pass blocking in 2026. With a new-look backfield, Hill has an opportunity to seize a larger role if he can continue to improve his all-around game.
The details
Hill said he had to change his diet and increase his cardio to drop the 8 pounds. He cut out 'junk food' that he was eating 'here and there.' Despite the weight loss, Hill hasn't lost any strength, recently squatting 805 pounds. He identified pass protection as the area he most wants to improve, saying he gave up 'a few sacks' last year that 'as a running back, that just can't happen.' Hill said he has the scheme down, but needs to focus on executing his blocks better.
- Hill checked in 8 pounds below his 2025 playing weight of 244 pounds.
- Alabama will return to the practice field on Wednesday.
- The Crimson Tide will hold its A-Day scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 11.
The players
Daniel Hill
A junior running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide who dropped 8 pounds in the offseason from 244 to 236 pounds.
Jam Miller
Last year's primary running back for Alabama, who has run out of eligibility.
Richard Young
An Alabama running back who transferred to Colorado.
Kevin Riley
A returning Alabama running back who is competing for an expanded role.
AK Dear
A returning Alabama running back who is competing for an expanded role.
EJ Crowell
A five-star freshman running back for Alabama who has been limited by injury this spring.
Trae'Shawn Brown
A freshman running back for Alabama.
Khalifa Keith
An Appalachian State transfer running back for Alabama.
What they’re saying
“'I had to go back and see what I was doing wrong. I had to change the way I was eating, cardio more. That's really it. And just keep working at that. That's something I feel like I needed to change. The coaches felt like I needed to change, and I made a commitment to myself to get my weight down.'”
— Daniel Hill, Alabama Running Back
“'Pass pro. I want to do better in pass pro. I know I gave up a few sacks last year and that as a running back, that just can't happen. We got to protect the quarterback. And yeah, that's something that feel like I need to work on and I'm gonna continue to work on.'”
— Daniel Hill, Alabama Running Back
“'I've always been able to squat a lot. I don't know, it just happened. I really don't know how to explain it. They threw it on the bar and I did it.'”
— Daniel Hill, Alabama Running Back
What’s next
Alabama will return to the practice field on Wednesday and hold its A-Day scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium on April 11, where Hill will continue competing for an expanded role in the Crimson Tide's offense.
The takeaway
Daniel Hill's offseason weight loss and focus on improving his pass protection skills could be key factors in helping to revitalize Alabama's running game in 2026. With a new-look backfield, Hill has a prime opportunity to seize a larger role if he can build on these offseason improvements.
