re: Alabama Hires Patriots' TE Brian Daboll as Offensive Coordinator

quote:

---

4. He knows about running the football

If you’re one of the many disgruntled Alabama fans starving for a return to a more consistent running game, we’ve saved the best for last. If there’s one takeaway from Daboll’s time in the NFL, it’s his willingness to rush the football.

Most recently with the Patriots, in addition to coaching tight ends, he and offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia helped coordinate a running game that relied on a number of backs through the years, including LeGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray and Dion Lewis.

But even before that, as an offensive coordinator, Daboll liked to feature running backs. With the Browns, Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis had productive years. And with the Dolphins and Chiefs, Reggie Bush and Jamaal Charles each rushed for more than 1,000 yards.

At Alabama, it will be interesting to see how Daboll manages the running game. For one, he has never worked with a running quarterback such as Hurts. But more than that, he’ll have to distribute carries to a backfield that includes productive players in Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, Joshua Jacobs and B.J. Emmons, not to mention early enrollee and former five-star back Najee Harris.

---