Will Anderson explains how Jahmyr Gibbs is making Alabama linebackers better

Will Anderson has experienced how difficult it can be to keep up with Jahmyr Gibbs. The Alabama linebacker has spent time chasing Gibbs, a transfer running back from Georgia Tech, in practice and believes he and the rest of the defense have gotten better for it.

Anderson noted the receiving ability of Gibbs, the No. 1 running back and No. 3 overall player according to On3’s Transfer Portal Rankings. That’s something the Crimson Tide will certainly be counting on in 2022 after the graduation of starting running back Brian Robinson.

“He’s like a little wide receiver sometimes,” Anderson said of Gibbs at SEC Media Days. “When you have to take those wheel routes on him and stuff like that, you really get on your horse. He’s got wheels and he can run. He’s dangerous out of the backfield, but I love to see it. It’s fun to watch.”

Across the past two seasons with the Yellow Jackets, Gibbs has recorded 59 catches for 768 yards receiving and five touchdowns. He rushed for 746 yards and four touchdowns this past season to earn first team All-ACC honors as an all-purpose back, proving his value isn’t limited to just the backfield. Gibbs also returned kicks for Georgia Tech last season, even running one back for a touchdown.

That type of skillset will be extremely valuable for an Alabama team looking to replace most of its top playmakers on offense. In addition to Robinson, the Crimson Tide also lose their top two receivers from 2021 in Jameson Williams and John Metchie. Although Alabama also added a pair of transfer receivers in Jermaine Burton and Tyler Harrell, Gibbs also figures to factor in heavily in the passing attack.

With that in mind, the Alabama offense should once again reload and be just fine as it looks to compete for a national title in 2022. With Will Anderson and the defense going up against playmakers like Jahmyr Gibbs every day in practice, that side of the ball should be one of the best in the country as well.