Alabama football returns a stable of running backs for this season, but a transfer has quickly impressed coaches, players, and Crimson Tide fans in spring practice.
Jahmyr Gibbs is looking more like Alabama’s starting back with each session. As a native Georgian, Gibbs became a star at Georgia Tech.
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He carries traits at the position that resemble former collegiate stars such as Reggie Bush and Alvin Kamara. Gibbs’ 1,800 all-purpose yards for the Yellow Jackets in 2021 consisted of 746 rushing yards, 470 receiving yards, and 589 kick return yards.
He posted seven total touchdowns as a sophomore.
The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder brings everything to the Crimson Tide, including game-breaking acceleration, explosive cuts, elite vision, power between the tackles, versatility as a receiver, and experience on special teams. Coach Nick Saban did not mince words when praising Gibbs’ tools at the start of practice. Bryce Young, a junior quarterback, has also complimented the transfer.
Gibbs is becoming a voice in the locker room because of his work ethic. He has the offensive line ‘excited’ to block for him in the upcoming season. Jase McClellan, Trey Sanders, and Roydell Williams will get opportunities, but Javion Cohen glowed up in Thursday’s media availability talking about Gibbs. The junior lineman said he ‘has it all.’
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“Everything stands out about him,” Cohen said of Gibbs. “Excellent vision, nice cuts. He’s a very strong interior runner. He’s a leader and shows it by example. I am excited to block for him.”
Cohen is the first offensive lineman to praise Gibbs, but everyone on the line sees what he provides out the backfield. Saban has placed several running backs in the National Football League, including four first-round picks. Gibbs carries marquee playmaking abilities, and he’s ready to show it in Alabama’s first scrimmage. The Tide will have its eighth practice on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
