One could argue no other school has done a better job producing talent at one position in the last decade than Alabama with running backs. Sometimes they can’t even find playing time for them all, and they transfer; sometimes, they transfer in.
Seeing the NFL talent they produce has to have players wanting a cut themselves. Now, Jahmyr Gibbs enters the chat.
The highest-rated RB in the history of Georgia Tech’s program, Gibbs found success at Tech but decided he wanted the Alabama experience. The experience that gets you a lot of money in the NFL and a chance to be the top player at your position. Thus far, Gibbs is living up to that hype.
Gibbs Decides to Do it His Way
It was mentioned that Gibbs was the highest-rated RB in the history of Georgia Tech. He found success in his career early there and even was gaining national attention without the move to Alabama. Gibbs accumulated 1,974 total yards, proving to be a threat as a runner and receiver. He would also find the endzone 13 times, averaging 6.8 yards per touch. Georgia Tech may not have had the best offense, but it was because of Gibbs when it did click.
He announced he was entering the transfer portal back in November after what was seen as a breakout 2021. The move to Alabama came after they saw their leading rusher Brian Robinson leave for the NFL. Gibbs will be the lead back in an explosive Crimson Tide offense that, based on the Spring Game, will be even more impressive than we could have thought.
What You See When Watching Him
Long Speed
We talked about how he made his presence known during the Spring Game for Alabama. He did so with a 75-yard touchdown run. That long speed he showed then is exactly what ACC defenses saw last year when he was named to the All-ACC team. Whether it is in the passing or running game, the speed he has can be harnessed at any time. I like to think of what Gibbs has as a sort of microwave in him. He can get hot at any time and at the flick of a switch. Gibbs doesn’t need the build-up of a route or a big running lane to get to his max speed. He has it in his pocket at any time, which is rare for anyone in any sport.
Dual Threat
There is nothing that fantasy players love more than a dual-threat RB. One who can be a point-scoring machine in the air and ground, this class has several who fit that billing, but Gibbs is in a class of his own. The leader in the clubhouse, Bijan Robinson, thrives as a natural runner. Gibbs sets himself apart with his pass-catching. Alabama has a history of using its RBs in dual roles. Gibbs is set to be the best one out of the school since Josh Jacobs in 2018.
Summary
To give the reader the sense of how good Gibbs can be and already is if he was in this past class, one could make an argument for him being the top guy. That being said, it will be hard to see him pass Robinson in this class. That doesn’t mean Gibbs isn’t special, but again, it speaks to how great this class is.
Gibbs will have his own corner in this class as he will be the top-rated pass-catching back, most likely, but he is more than that. He may develop into the most complete back in this 2023 class when it is all said and done.
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