Alabama freshman is a ‘tough runner’ who has ‘acquired the playbook,’ according to teammates and coaches

He may have to wait his turn, but Alabama has a freshman running back with promising potential.

Daniel Hill, a four-star prospect in the 2024 signing class from Meridian, Miss., enrolled early for spring practice.

The 6-foot-1, 231-pounder has the look of a strong athlete. Hill played wildcat quarterback for Meridian High School, but running backs coach Robert Gillespie sees something special in him. The Crimson Tide’s associate head coach stated that Hill has ‘picked up on the playbook’ and ‘has learned all the pass-protection aspects.’ Gillespie is excited to see what this young man will become.

Alabama RB Coach Robert Gillespie speaking here https://t.co/dVKGsRMUV1

— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 9, 2024

“You can tell that Daniel was a quarterback,” Gillespie said.

“He is incredibly intelligent. He has been exceptionally good. He needs to get in shape. When he’s out on the field, you can tell that he’s thickened slightly, so he’s playing a little slower. But he is a tough child who is willing. It was great to see him struggle through some ailments during the 4th Quarter Program, and it was then that he began to win the respect of his teammates. He’s a young kid, yet he works his tail off. So it’s been pretty fantastic.”

Justice Haynes, a sophomore running back at Alabama, said Friday that he’s showing Hill the way.

The former five-star from the 2023 signing class sees a ‘grinder’ in the true freshman.

“I love the way he works,” Haynes remarked of Hill. “I admire how he wants to be coached and how he accepts coaching. I admire his running style and physicality. He is strong. He’s a strong cat. That is one thing: Daniel is strong. He is a physical, humorous, and amazing person, and I enjoy being around him. I’m grateful he’s in the running back room with us.”

The former five-star from the 2023 signing class sees a ‘grinder’ in the true freshman.

“I love the way he works,” Haynes remarked of Hill. “I admire how he wants to be coached and how he accepts coaching. I admire his running style and physicality. He is strong. He’s a strong cat. That is one thing: Daniel is strong. He is a physical, humorous, and amazing person, and I enjoy being around him. I’m grateful he’s in the running back room with us.”

Hill will be entertaining to watch in the future as he continues to develop at Alabama.