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Lane Kiffin: Alabama backfield trio probably more talented than any in NFL

Alabama back T.J. Yeldon rushed for 1,235 yards as a sophomore last season. (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)

Alabama back T.J. Yeldon rushed for 1,235 yards last season (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)

Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said he would take his three Crimson Tide tailbacks over any trio of NFL team ball carriers.

This season, the Crimson Tide will feature T.J. Yeldon, who ran for 1,235 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, Kenyan Drake and Derrick Henry, who had 100 yards on only eight carries in Alabama's Sugar Bowl loss to Oklahoma.

"As you guys know extremely well, I think the offense is led by the tailbacks," Kiffin said speaking at the Dex imaging Annual L'Arche Football Preview, via AL.com. "There probably aren't three more talented tailbacks in the NFL on a roster than we're fortunate to be able to work with at Alabama."

Kiffin was complementary of Henry and says he sees expanded roles for Yeldon and Drake. The Crimson Tide begin their season Aug. 30 against West Virginia at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

He referred to the offense the team will run this season as a "really kind of a half-and-half system," which means they will keep elements of Alabama's offense last season and change out other parts.

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