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Alabama

Nick Saban addresses progress with return game options

Stephen Samraby: Steve Samra08/21/22SamraSource
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(Allio/Getty Images)

Nick Saban knows how important all three phases of the game of football are, and he’s not planning on neglecting his special teams in 2022.

In years past, the Crimson Tide haven’t been afraid to put some of their best offensive and defensive players on their return team. For example, surreal athletes like running back Jahmyr Gibbs and defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry figure to have roles in the return game this upcoming season.

Speaking with the media, Saban provided an update on Alabama’s options in the return game.

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“So far Kool-Aid’s been the most consistent guy on the punt return side of it,” stated Saban. “We’ve got a couple of other guys making some progress in that area. Kickoff return, a lot more guys besides Jahmyr [Gibbs]. We’ve got four or five guys who can do kickoff returns pretty well.”

Evidently, Alabama has plenty of options to return kickoffs and punts in 2022. Like the rest of their units, the Crimson Tide will have athletes as dangerous as any in the country doing the job.

Jahmyr Gibbs explains his decision to transfer to Alabama, personal goals

Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs is preparing for his third collegiate season after opting to trade the big city of Atlanta and Georgia Tech for Tuscaloosa and the Crimson Tide. Gibbs explained his decision to leave Georgia Tech for the transfer portal and what his goals are at Alabama as he hit the media podium on Friday.

“I think it was the best opportunity for me to better myself,” Gibbs told reporters. “No knock on my old teammates, I love them, still talk to them every day, they’re a great group of guys, but I made the best decision for me.”

After posting 746 rushing yards and 470 receiving yards for the Yellowjackets last season, and transferring to the top CFP title contender, Gibbs is an early favorite for the 2022 Heisman.

The versatile running back doesn’t want to think about individual awards though.

“I don’t really look into that very much,” Gibbs said of his personal goals. “I’m more of a team guy. So, I really want to win a national championship first.”