Bryce Young provides his view of Jahmyr Gibbs, impact on Alabama offense

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young is glad to have Jahmyr Gibbs on his side. The Georgia Tech running back transfer has been a big topic of discussion in Tuscaloosa this offseason, with many ready to declare him the next star out of the backfield.

Now having had plenty of time to work with Gibbs throughout the spring, summer and now start of fall camp, Young went into detail on why there is such a buzz surrounding the 5-foot-9 back.

“He’s extremely explosive in the run game,” Young said Tuesday. “Amazing vision. Makes great cutes, sees the game and knows where to go with the ball. Then in the pass game, he’s a really good route runner. Really explosive and when you get the ball in his hands out of the backfield, a lot of really good things can happen.”

The No. 1 running back and No. 3 overall player according to On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings, Gibbs brings value in multiple areas. Across the past two seasons with the Yellow Jackets, Gibbs has recorded 59 catches for 768 yards receiving and five touchdowns. He rushed for 746 yards and four touchdowns this past season to earn first team All-ACC honors as an all-purpose back, proving his value isn’t limited to just the backfield. Gibbs also returned kicks for Georgia Tech last season, even running one back for a touchdown.

Bryce Young said Jahmyr Gibbs wasted no time learning the playbook since arriving in Tuscaloosa, and has picked things up extremely quickly. That was evident this spring, when the running back earned the A-Day Game MVP after rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.

“He picked it up so quickly,” Young said. “He knows where everything is. He knows where to go. Now that he’s more comfortable, he’s able to do a lot more things that are him. All that stuff comes out in practice and I’m excited for it to show when we’re playing. He works really hard, really good kid. He knows everything that’s going on. So he gives us a lot of options and definitely makes my job a lot easier.”

Now with less than a month to go until the season starts, Alabama fans won’t have to wait long to see Gibbs in action for themselves. The Crimson Tide will kick off the 2022 season on Sept. 3 against Utah State.