Henry To'oTo'o on Jahmyr Gibbs: 'I've never guarded a back like him'
TUSCALOOSA — Jahmyr Gibbs is going to be a big part of Alabama’s offense in 2022. This is something we’ve known since the Georgia Tech transfer announced his decision to join the Crimson Tide back in December. Still, there are few players generating as much buzz as fall camp gets underway.
On Friday, starting inside linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, who’s tasked with going head-to-head against Gibbs every day in practice, was asked what it was like trying to cover Alabama’s latest star running back out of the backfield. Needless to say, the rising senior has been more than impressed.
“Jahmyr’s been doing great,” To’oTo’o told reporters. “So fast, so elusive. Gets in and out of his cuts so quick. I’ve never guarded a [running] back like him before. So being able to see that for me has been so helpful to me because it lets me know how I can work on my game.
“But Jahmyr’s been great. Our whole entire running back room’s been great. We’re really deep in that room. So being able to have guys like that, back-to-back punches, is going to be huge for us.”
Remember, To’oTo’o has been a three-year starter in the SEC. After spending two seasons at Tennessee, he arrived in Tuscaloosa prior to last season and added another 15 starts to his resume. In other words, this is a guy who’s seen a lot of good running backs on the college level.
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Yet, he’s never guarded a running back like Gibbs before. That comment speaks volumes, doesn’t it?
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Gibbs is such an explosive runner. His short-area quickness and acceleration easily fall into an elite category. Combining those things with his creative instincts and top-notch field vision creates a perfect storm that strains defenses and causes headaches for opposing defensive coordinators.
In only 19 career games at Georgia Tech, Gibbs totaled almost 2,000 yards (1,206 rushing, 768 receiving) to go along with 13 total touchdowns. That level of impact as both a runner and receiver helps make the Alabama offense that much harder to defend, especially when combined with Bryce Young‘s arm talent and legs.
Gibbs is unlike anything we’ve seen at Alabama during the Nick Saban era. It’ll be interesting to see how creative offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien can be will that type of skill set in his backfield.
