Jase McClellan gives he thoughts on two-back sets with Jahmyr Gibbs ahead of Texas matchup

Jase McClellan and Jahmyr Gibbs are dangerous apart, but together they create a special backfield that could be impossible to stop for Alabama.

During a trial run against Utah State, Gibbs and McClellan both had their chances to run the ball. Gibbs carried the football nine times for 93 yards, while McClellan amassed 23 yards on five carries. While quarterback Bryce Young took care of the offense against the Aggies, the running back tandem could have a lot more on their plate this upcoming Saturday against Texas.

Speaking to the media ahead of the showdown with the Longhorns, McClellan gave his thoughts on two-back sets with Gibbs.

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“It’s just a package our coaches came up with. Got good talent at running back, just putting most of us on the field at the same time,” stated McClellan. “Distracting defenses, somehow.”

As you can see, Jase McClellan thinks it’s a good idea to keep him on the field with the dynamic Jahmyr Gibbs, giving defenses even more to worry about. On Saturday, the running back tandem will be something to watch against the Longhorns.

Jase McClellan discusses depth in running back room, addition of Jahmyr Gibbs

Despite his status of being a former top-50 recruit, Alabama‘s Jase McClellan has been forced to bide his time in the Crimson Tide running back room, only amassing 63 carries through two seasons. Now, he’s expected to earn himself an extended role in the Crimson Tide offense as the No. 2 featured back behind Georgia Tech transfer Jahmyr Gibbs.

“It’s a competition every day,” McClellan said. “We’re all the same being a great running back room, and we all gotta work together every day in practice. That’s what we do.”

Despite the depth already in the Crimson Tide running back room following last season, the addition of Gibbs was a welcome sight for the entire program, especially those at tailback.

“We just welcomed him in like a brother. He wanted to come join us, so we welcomed,” McClellan said. “We’re thankful for him, happy he wanted to come here. He adds something special to the group.”

Gibbs is listed as the No. 2 running back headed into the 2022 season, per Gibbs’ On3 College Rating, but was a four-star recruit out of high school. As the No. 80 player in the Class of 2020, per the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Gibbs eventually committed to Georgia Tech where he contributed mightily to both the running and passing games for the Yellow Jackets over the past two seasons.