Jahmyr Gibbs explains what goes into being a good return specialist

There’s a lot that comes with new Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ game. Gibbs rushed for over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns during his two seasons at Georgia Tech. He also caught 59 passes for 768 yards and five touchdowns during that time as well. While he’s an elite weapon offensively, he’s sneaky good on special teams as well.

Gibbs talked about his kick returning ability during media over the weekend. He says it’s a skill he’s comfortable with because he has done it all his life.

“I’ve always kicked return since as long as I’ve been playing football. It’s pretty natural to me,” said Gibbs.

During his time in Atlanta, Gibbs returned 31 kicks on special teams. He returned for 205 yards as a freshman and 589 plus a touchdown as a sophomore. He says his skills in the backfield apply the same way to how he runs in the open field on returns. Gibbs says it’s all about reading the scheme in front of you and sneaking your way through it the best you can.

“I think what goes into being a good kick returner is obviously you gotta be fast. You’ve got to be able to read the holes and know the block scheme of the return,” Gibbs said. “It’s the basically the same thing (as rushing). The holes will be gone just like that so you really gotta hit it with speed as you see it.”

As if Nick Saban needed another way to utilize Jahmyr Gibbs as a weapon, this will provide him a way to do just that. With the role he’ll play on offense, it’s uncertain how many opportunities Gibbs will get to return this season at Alabama. Even so, it’s just another trick up Saban’s sleeve if they need it in Tuscaloosa this season.