Nick Saban explains how Jahmyr Gibbs made a smooth transition to Alabama
By Keith Farner
Published:
Nick Saban does not typically coach a slew of transfers, but Alabama seemingly lands at least a couple of high-profile players each offseason. This year, it was Georgia Tech running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Gibbs is off to a great start with Alabama already this season, and has 172 rushing yards on 25 carries this season. But he’s made plenty of damage in the passing game, and is Alabama’s second-best receiver with 17 catches for 187 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Saban after the Vanderbilt win pointed out what sets Gibbs apart.
“He’s got a lot of experience,” Saban said. “Other than terminology – I mean, somebody calls a power play a zone play, an inside zone, an outside zone, a counter. They may call it a different name, but it really isn’t a different play. So experienced players can relate to things that they’ve done in the past that are similar to what we do here, and then obviously, it’s a terminology thing, but they understand five-man protection, they understand six-man protection, they understand seven-man protection. It just might be called something different. So experienced players can pick up on things much more quickly.”
Gibbs took to the Alabama terminology well, and his teammates helped the process, Saban said.
“Jahmyr’s a really bright guy, and he’s very conscientious,” Saban said. “So it was kind of an easy transition, I think, for us, and it didn’t seem to be very painless for him. And I think our players did a good job of embracing him. He’s a very likable guy. So it worked out well.”
H/T Bama OnLine.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
