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Alabama linebacker Henry To'o To'o describes the challenge of defending Jahmyr Gibbs

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•04/17/22•

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Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Jahmyr Gibbs was the standout player for Alabama at its A-Day game this past Saturday. The Georgia Tech transfer wowed for 100 yards rushing on only nine carries, earning the A-Day MVP according to Crimson Tide beat writers.

Gibbs’ speed was on clear display early in the scrimmage, when he broke free for a 75-yard touchdown run. It was the biggest play of the day for any Alabama player and caused linebacker Henry To’o To’o to offer some compliments to Gibbs in a press conference following the game.

“As far as playing against him on defense, he’s quick, loose and able to get in and out of cuts,” To’o To’o said. “He knows when the run the ball, when to put his head down and when to make a move. You guys saw it with that long touchdown he had. He’s definitely gonna be a part of our offense and it’s up to him just to be able to keep his head down and work hard. He’s gonna be a good player.”

In addition to his 100 yards rushing, Gibbs also caught one pass for nine yards in the game. The No. 1 running back and No. 3 overall player according to On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings, he figures to make a major impact after the Crimson Tide lost leading rusher Brian Robinson Jr. to graduation this offseason.

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Last season for the Yellow Jackets, Gibbs rushed 143 times for 746 yards, while scoring four touchdowns on the ground. As a receiver, he hauled in 36 catches for 470 receiving yards (13.1 yards per catch) and two touchdowns. As a high school prospect, Gibbs was rated as the No. 8 running back prospect in America, according to the On3 Consensus Rankings for the 2020 recruiting class. When he signed with Georgia Tech coming out of high school, he was one of the highest rated recruits ever to suit up for the Yellow Jackets.

The fact that Jahmyr Gibbs earned praise from To’o To’o, one of Alabama’s best returning defensive players, is a huge deal. The linebacker led the Crimson Tide with 111 total tackles in 2021 in addition to four sacks. If he has trouble taking down the speedy running back, it’s very likely many opposing defenders will as well.

Fans will get their next look at the Crimson Tide backfield during the season opener against Utah State on Sept. 3.