Nick Saban 'really impressed' with transfer running back Jahmyr Gibbs

Landing Georgia Tech transfer Jahmyr Gibbs was huge for Nick Saban and Alabama this offseason. With spring ball underway, Gibbs is already capturing his head coach’s attention.

Saban had some high praise for Gibbs in his press conference Wednesday, saying he’s “really impressed” with his new running back so far.

“He has really been a very good addition to our team,” Saban told reporters on Wednesday. “He’s got great speed, he’s really a good receiver, good third-down back. He’s got great vision, he’s got really good burst out of a cut. I’m really, really impressed with what he’s been able to do. He’s smart, he’s picked up things, he’s an experienced player. He really does a good job of understanding what we’re trying to do and how to do it, and that’s what experienced players can do. He’s done a really, really good job.”

Gibbs spent the last two years at Georgia Tech, where he totaled 1,206 yards and eight touchdowns in 19 games. He entered the transfer portal in November and announced his commitment to Alabama a month later. He also came in as the No. 3 transfer in the portal this offseason, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Rankings.

Gibbs is going to play a big role in replacing Brian Robinson Jr., who graduated after last season. He also joins a running back room that’s starting to get healthy, based on Saban’s latest updates on Wednesday.

Nick Saban provides injury updates on running backs Roydell Williams, Jase McClellan

Spring football is underway, and Alabama is hoping to build on its run to last year’s national championship. Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said his team’s a little beat up, tough, and provided injury updates on two key players.

Saban said running backs Roydell Williams and Jase McClellan are practicing without contact. They’re both dealing with knee injuries from last season, and Saban said McClellan is farther ahead because his injury happened earlier than Williams’.

Williams appeared in 10 games for Alabama last season, taking 48 carries for 284 yards and a touchdown while also tallying five receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown in the air. He suffered his injury in November and underwent surgery shortly thereafter.

McClellan took 40 carries for 191 yards and a touchdown in just five appearances. He went down in October against Ole Miss and wound up being out for the year as a result.

Now, with spring ball underway, the two are working their way back for the 2022 season. Getting them back would be huge for the Alabama backfield depth as the Crimson Tide try to get back to the national title game.