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Alabama landed a big commitment on Tuesday from ex-Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs, one of the top-ranked players in the transfer portal. Gibbs, who announced his decision with a video on Twitter, rushed for 1,206 yards and eight touchdowns in two seasons with the Yellow Jackets. Gibbs transferring in is a huge pickup for coach Nick Saban, considering the upcoming departure of senior Brian Robinson Jr., who has 1,071 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns for the 2021 SEC champions.
Gibbs was the top-ranked player in Georgia Tech’s 2020 recruiting class. The four-star prospect from Dalton (Georgia) High School was ranked No. 76 overall in the 247Sports Composite rankings, and was the eighth-best running back in the country — one spot ahead of current Alabama running back Roydell Williams.
Let’s break down what Gibbs’ commitment means for the Crimson Tide.
Help at a critical position
Alabama is accustomed to having a stable of capable running backs, but that hasn’t been the case this season. Robinson has been banged up down the stretch, while Williams and Jase McClellan each suffered knee injuries during the season that forced them out of action.
Gibbs won’t help Alabama as it prepares for the Orange Bowl national semifinal showdown vs. Cincinnati, but it’s clear that Saban recognized that what happened to his running back room this season can’t happen again. The Crimson Tide struggled mightily to run the football in several games this season, including narrow victories over Florida, LSU…
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