Alabama football running back Justice Haynes popped a Missouri defender who tried to meet him five yards down field.

It made his ensuing touchdown run the most impressive and noteworthy play of the Crimson Tide’s win this past Saturday. Tight end Robbie Ouzts helped make that hit possible.

Before Haynes reached the line of scrimmage, Ouzts helped create a hole on the left side for Haynes to run through.

It‘s not as easy to notice because of the attention Haynes running over the Missouri defender drew, but Ouzts’ block was just as important.

It‘s not the first time he made a necessary block. It also won’t be the last. Ouzts plays an integral role in clearing defenders for this Alabama offense.

Blocking guru Cole Cubelic, the former Auburn offensive lineman turned ESPN/SEC Network analyst, posted on X his “weekly you should have a greater appreciation for Robbie Ouzts tweet” on Sunday.

Jim Nagy, the executive director of the Senior Bowl, replied “Not supposed to have favorites but Ouzts is my favorite Alabama player.”

The play was another block Ouzts made during the Missouri game, when he knocked a Tigers defender on his back.

Watching Ouzts’ film and hearing him talk about his approach makes it easy to understand why he is perfect to fill the role of a blocker.

“I just kind of see target, hit target,” Ouzts said Thursday.

Ouzts said it‘s important for each team to have players willing to do the dirty work. He’s happy to be one of those guys.

“It’s the beautiful part of playing the sport I play,” Ouzts said. “You can legally hit somebody, as hard as you can. Just kind of taking advantage of that and willing to be that guy on the team is going to open up some lanes for the ball carrier. It’s fun.”

Ouzts has felt that way since the beginning.

“The first day I put a helmet and shoulder pads on,” Ouzts said. “I’ve always loved hitting people.”

No. 14 Alabama will face No. 16 LSU on Saturday, Nov. 9 (6:30 p.m. CT, ABC) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X and Instagram.