Friday Mailbag: Heisman campaign for Jahmyr Gibbs starts now

So, we’re starting something new here at BCS Alabama. Jimmy Stein and I already answer mailbag questions for listeners on our podcast, The Bama On3 Show. If you haven’t already, I’d highly suggest going to check that out on Apple Podcast, Spotify or anywhere else you listen to your podcasts. Now, I’ll also be inserting a weekly mailbag into the mix on Fridays for any questions Alabama fans may have.

If you want to remain anonymous, that’s totally fine. If you want your name shared so everyone knows who these fantastic questions are coming from, that is also encouraged. Whatever makes you feel comfortable. This mailbag is for you, after all. Normally, it will consist of at least 3 to 4 questions, but we’ll start this first week off with just one. But don’t worry, it’s a fantastic question.

Let’s begin.

Do you think Jahymr Gibbs has a chance to win the Heisman this year? He wasn’t included in that top 10 Heisman ranking that On3 came out with this week and I think that’s a big mistake. – BigCrimson

You’re right, BigCrimson. Jahmyr Gibbs wasn’t included in Matt Zenitz’s spring top 10 Heisman candidates for 2022. Do I think that’s the right call for Zenitz to make in March? I do, as we haven’t even been given a chance to really see the Georgia Tech transfer in Crimson yet. That said, I also understand why you’d want to ask the question.

Look, Gibbs is going to be a big part of Alabama’s offense. I think we’re all in agreement on that. But as spring practice grows closer, I’m starting to think that he could have an even bigger role than I had originally anticipated. During yesterday’s episode of The Bama On3 Show, I compared my thoughts on the snap distribution at running back to a similar dilemma I had with Najee Harris in 2020.

I loved Najee following his 1,528-yard campaign in 2019. Whether it was as a runner or receiver out of the backfield, he was clearly a top-NFL prospect with true three-down talent. But I also liked some of the other options in Alabama’s running back room.

I figured Brian Robinson would remain involved after his 100-touch season, and I also thought Trey Sanders was poised for a breakout after a promising start to his freshman season was cut short due to a foot injury. Plus, two very talented freshmen, Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, were set to join the group. I knew Najee would continue to serve as the lead back, but I figured we’d see more of a committee approach.

I was wrong. Very wrong.

The running backs were given 414 carries in 2020, and Najee accounted for 60.6% — or 251 — of them. Of the 51 receptions brought in by Alabama running backs, 84.3% — or 43 — of them were caught by Najee. He accounted for 1,891 total yards (1,466 rushing, 425 receiving) and 30 touchdowns that year. He was also close to 300 touches in a shortened season while the rest of the “committee” looked like this:

• Brian Robinson – 97 touches
• Trey Sanders – 31 touches
• Jase McClellan – 24 touches
• Roydell Williams – 19 touches

I say all that to say this: I love Alabama’s talent at running back for 2022. McClellan showed plenty of promise during his time as the No. 2 back, as did Williams. Yes, Sanders is still working his way back to 100% after the car accident in 2020, but the Crimson Tide also brought in two more top-100 prospects in Jamarion Miller and Emmanuel Henderson. It’s a deep, talented group.

Yet, I still believe Gibbs could get the Najee Harris-Derrick Henry-Trent Richardson type of treatment.

No, I don’t think he’s going to average close to 20 carries a game like Najee did that year. Gibbs only averaged 12.2 carries in his 19 games at Georgia Tech and only exceeded 15 carries in three of those games. I moreso see him in the neighborhood of 14-16 carries per game (200-230 carries). I also think he can haul in 50 to 60 of Bryce Young‘s passes.

In his first 10 games last season, Gibbs averaged 3.4 receptions per contest. He also averaged an eye-popping 13.8 yards per catch for a total of 469 yards receiving. In other words, he’s more than capable of putting up those reception numbers in an offense like Alabama’s.

That’d put him between 250 to 290 touches, depending on how many games are played. It’s not a guarantee that he reaches those numbers, but I feel fairly confident making that prediction. But will those numbers be enough to put him in the Heisman conversation? As long as he’s efficient with his touches — which we expect him to be — then the answer is a resounding yes.

He’s going to be playing in one of the top offenses in college football, and his electric, playmaking style with play well with voters, talking heads and fans alike. Plus, his effectiveness as a kick returner (794 yards, touchdown in 19 games) increases the likelihood that he’ll stand out.

Will he win it?

Eh, I wouldn’t go that far. But I could see him finishing in the top 5, depending on the types of seasons Young and Will Anderson are having. It’s pretty wild that Alabama could once again have three different players competing for a Heisman Trophy, right? At this point, we probably shouldn’t be surprised.

Great question, BigCrimson.

Discuss Jahmyr Gibbs’ potential Heisman campaign on the BCS Alabama message board

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