All three starting defensive tackles on the Alabama football team now have scholarships. Kneeland Hibbett is the most recent.
It’s not every day that a program gives its long snapper a scholarship, but new Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer decided to do so early in preseason training camp for the senior.
“Man, it’s awesome,” Hibbett said Tuesday. “Coach DeBoer came in and takes care of a lot of the guys from different angles on the different things we do. Getting a scholarship was a huge blessing. He’s been a great coach, so I’m excited to start this year with him.”
Hibbett, a Florence native, certainly deserves the scholarship. He is entering his fourth season as the Crimson Tide’s long snapper and earned All-SEC honors from the coaches last season.
He’s done more than just snaps, too. In 2022, he recovered a botched punt in the Iron Bowl against Auburn. Hibbett also recorded a tackle on special teams while facing Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
“I wanted to surprise him,” DeBoer said on Thursday. “We did it. He’s got it. He deserves it. He’s rock solid and just a great person.”
DeBoer described Hibbett as trustworthy and great to have on the team.
Alabama opens its season on Saturday (6 p.m., ESPN) at Bryant-Denny Stadium against Western Kentucky.
Nick Kelly is an Alabama beat writer for AL.com and the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X And Instagram.
