Kendall Randolph explains what it's like blocking for 'electric' RB Jahmyr Gibbs

After blocking for Jahmyr Gibbs all offseason, Alabama offensive lineman Kendall Randolph can’t wait for the rest of the country to see what the running back is capable of. In an interview from earlier this week, Randolph raved about the skills of the Crimson Tide’s coveted transfer portal addition.

“He’s definitely electric. He plays fast and has some quick feet. He can make good cuts. Being able to block for him is a huge honor first and foremost because he’s a great athlete. We’re gonna keep doing what we do and get him open so he can be successful.”

A Georgia Tech transfer, Gibbs ranked as the No. 1 running back according to On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings and is slated to start in the backfield. He compiled 1,206 yards rushing, 768 yards receiving and 13 total touchdowns across two seasons with the Yellow Jackets.

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Randolph is also a tight end for the Crimson Tide, making four starts at the position in 2021. However, he has seen increased time at guard this fall as Alabama looks to replace some key members of the offensive line from a year ago. Whether he starts at offensive line or tight end this season, Kendall Randolph figures to play a key role in creating space for Jahmyr Gibbs to run.

Alabama is set to kick off the 2022 season at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 3 against Utah State.

Jahmyr Gibbs reveals why coming to Alabama wasn’t a culture shock

Former Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs made the move to Alabama this offseason as one of the top transfer portal targets in the country. After receiving high praise from his new teammates and coaches throughout the spring and summer, he is ready to hit the field and showcase his talent in front of the fans.

Despite coming from a team which struggled to a 3-9 record in 2021, he said during a recent press conference that the shift in culture was not as extreme as many would believe coming to a perineal contender.

“It’s not really a huge difference, because a lot of coaches that were at Alabama that’s at (Georgia Tech) right now,” said Gibbs. “So they brought that culture there. So it’s basically the same thing.”

Among the former Alabama assistants currently on staff at Georgia Tech, head coach Geoff Collins and run game coordinator Brent Key stand out. While Collins only spent one season on staff in 2007, he hired Key as an important part of his staff after three seasons as the offensive line coach under Nick Saban.

On3’s James Fletcher contributed to this report.