Alabama football has been known for its running backs to pound defenders, but the coaching staff wants the backfield better suited for today’s National Football League.
Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris, Jase McClellan (before injuries), and Jahmyr Gibbs were exceptional receivers out the backfield.
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Jacobs, Harris, and Gibbs all were first-round draft picks because of their versatility. Jacobs totaled 34 catches for 415 yards and five touchdowns in his final two seasons (2017-18) at Alabama. Harris recorded seven touchdown catches in 2019, while posting 43 receptions for 425 yards and four scores in 2020. Gibbs was special for the Crimson Tide in 2022, posting a team-high 44 catches from Bryce Young for 444 yards receiving and three touchdowns. He was the brightest part of the offense in 2022.
Kalen DeBoer and Nick Sheridan want running backs doing more in the Tide’s offense. We saw Jam Miller, Justice Haynes, and Richard Young run routes and catch passes in the spring game. A continuation of this has occurred in fall camp, and the coaching staff expects to pull it out in the regular season. Robert Gillespie, Alabama’s running backs coach, said the name of the game at the next level is ‘catching the ball out the backfield.’ He said the backs are about to have more opportunities in the passing game.
What has Alabama RBs excited about doing more in the passing game with this offense?
Coach Robert Gillespie explains here.@TDAlabamaMag @TouchdownETP pic.twitter.com/zNbnzU5N5P
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) August 7, 2024
“I think they are excited about what they saw in the spring,” Gillespie said. “We are going to throw the ball downfield, but that also opens creases in the run game and it gives you a chance to be a part of the throw game.”
DeBoer’s offensive system puts running backs in a situation where they can run routes and be the check down option.
Gillespie said he showed the backs a lot of Gibbs’ film to give them motivation.
“At least 25-30 of his receptions came on Bryce doing a great job of down the field hitting the check down,” Gillespie said about Gibbs’ success as a receiver.
Alabama won national titles in 2009, 2011, 2017, and 2020 with backs involved in the passing game. Mark Ingram was critical in ’09, Trent Richardson made plays in ’11, Josh Jacobs was a factor in ’17, and Najee Harris displayed an incredible skill set in ’20.
We will see what this group of running backs do as receivers.
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Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
