He is a College Football and Pro Football Hall of Famer, but LaDainian Tomlinson sees the next special running back in this year’s NFL Draft class.
As an alum of Texas Christian University, Tomlinson is a special assistant for the Los Angeles Chargers. He said on NFL Total Access that he is looking forward to watching former Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Tomlinson raved about Gibbs’ short-area quickness, explosiveness, versatility as a receiver, and overall speed.
“If he runs a 4.2, look out, he might rocket up the draft boards like Chris Johnson” @LT_21 is looking for a CJ2k performance from @Jahmyr_Gibbs1 at the NFL Combine. pic.twitter.com/Fr4YnkWXwT
— NFL Total Access (@NFLTotalAccess) February 21, 2023
He believes that if Gibbs clocks a 40-time of 4.2 or better, the native Georgian will shoot up draft boards. Tomlinson likens him to former NFL superstar, Chris Johnson. Johnson, better known as “CJ2K,” exploded onto the scene during his senior year (2007) at East Carolina, totaling 1,423 yards rushing, 528 yards receiving, 1,009 kick return yards, and 23 touchdowns. Johnson grabbed everyone’s attention at the 2008 NFL Combine, clocking 4.24 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He got selected at No. 24 overall by the Tennessee Titans. Johnson enjoyed good seasons (2008-13) in Tennessee, making three Pro Bowls, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2009, winning NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2009, and posting a 2,000-yard season (2,006) in 2009.
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He played for the Titans, New York Jets (2014), and Arizona Cardinals (2015-17) during his 10 years in the league.
Gibbs needed one season at Alabama to show he’s first-round worthy. He collected 926 rushing yards, 444 receiving yards, and 10 total touchdowns. Gibbs led the Crimson Tide’s receiver room with 44 catches. He can do it all at the running back position, and eyes will be on him at the combine.
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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.
