Nick Saban turns question about speed of Jahmyr Gibbs on reporter

Nick Saban is known to have little patience when a reporter asks a question he doesn’t like. That was the case Saturday after the A-Day game, when the Alabama football coach was asked whether the speed of Georgia Tech transfer running back Jahmyr Gibbs stood out to him.

“Probably, I mean, did it stand out to you?” An irritated Saban responded. “Fast is fast. Guys getting to top speed quickly is obvious.”

After he got that out of his system, Nick Saban did eventually elaborate further on Jahmyr Gibbs, who was named the A-Day Game MVP according to beat writers. The running back finished with 100 yards rushing on just nine attempts to lead all players, while also scoring the lone touchdown of the day for the Crimson team.

“I think he gives us something at the running back position because he’s really good at pressing the holes, but he has a great burst to get to top speed quickly and setting up blocks,” Saban said in a postgame interview. “Very good running back, very good receiver, third down back, very good addition. When we get Jase McClellan back, add Trey (Sanders), and I think Jamarion Miller, the freshman who’s here for the first time, he’s showing some promise in his ability to develop as well. Kind of like where we’re at at that position. I hope we can get the guys back healthy and 100% by fall camp.”

Gibbs showed off his electrifying speed on his touchdown run Saturday, when he broke free and ran 75 yards to the end zone. Saban also expects the Georgia Tech transfer to contribute as a receiver, and he finished with one catch for nine yards in the A-Day game.

Last season for the Yellow Jackets, Gibbs rushed 143 times for 746 yards, while scoring four touchdowns on the ground. As a receiver, he hauled in 36 catches for 470 receiving yards (13.1 yards per catch) and two touchdowns. As a high school prospect, Gibbs was rated as the No. 8 running back prospect in America, according to the On3 Consensus Rankings for the 2020 recruiting class. When he signed with Georgia Tech coming out of high school, he was one of the highest rated recruits ever to suit up for the Yellow Jackets.

As Nick Saban mentioned, Jahmyr Gibbs will have plenty of competition in the backfield next season. However, based on his experience and skillset he appears to be the frontrunner to start in 2022. Alabama’s next leading rusher from Saturday, Jamarion Miller, finished with 44 yards on 15 carries.

Fans will get their next look at the Crimson Tide backfield during the season opener against Utah State on Sept. 3.