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5 Alabama stars who won’t be back in 2023 and who will replace them

By Cody Williams

Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) quarterback Bryce Young (9) head coach Nick Saban and defensive back Jordan Battle (9) pose for photos following the victory against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2022; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) quarterback Bryce Young (9) head coach Nick Saban and defensive back Jordan Battle (9) pose for photos following the victory against the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2022 Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Alabama football
Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

Alabama might struggle to find a RB as special as Jahmyr Gibbs

One thing that we haven’t seen that we were often accustomed to from the Tide over the previous few years was a truly dominant force at running back. Though it was clear that Jahmyr Gibbs took a bit to get comfortable as he transferred from Georgia Tech, the end result was seeing one of the most talented running backs in the country absolutely dominate opposing defenses.

Gibbs finished his time with Alabama on Saturday with another big game, rushing for 76 yards on 15 carries and catching two passes for 66 yards, including a game-breaking 60-yard reception. Overall, he ended the season with 850 yards rushing and seven scores (6.3 yards per carry) and 42 receptions for 378 yards and three scores.

Though you could argue he should’ve been used more, the versatility and explosiveness of Gibbs is something that will be difficult to replicate. There is, however, an option or two for the Crimson Tide.

Alabama replacement for Jahmyr Gibbs: Jase McClellan

The likely lead back for Alabama next season will be rising senior Jase McClellan. He rushed for 613 yards on 105 carries this past year, so he’s familiar with getting a good amount of work already. Having said that, it’s rarely a one-man show in this backfield, so expect others like Roydell Williams and incoming 5-star freshman Justice Haynes to be heard from as well from the position.

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