Alabama Football Awards Scholarship to Long Snapper Kneeland Hibbett

Alabama football now has all three of its starting specialists on scholarship, with Kneeland Hibbett being the latest to receive one.

It’s not common for a program to put its long snapper on scholarship, but new Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer made that decision for the senior early in preseason camp.

“It’s awesome,” Hibbett said on Tuesday. “Coach DeBoer came in and has been taking care of the team in many ways. Receiving a scholarship was a huge blessing. He’s been a great coach, and I’m really excited to go into this year with him."

Hibbett, who is from Florence, has definitely earned the scholarship. He’s entering his fourth season as the Crimson Tide’s long snapper and received All-SEC honors from the coaches last season.

Hibbett has done more than just snap the ball. In 2022, he recovered a fumbled punt against Auburn in the Iron Bowl. He also made a tackle on special teams while playing against Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

“I wanted to surprise him,” DeBoer said on Thursday. “We did that. He deserves it. He’s rock solid and just a great person.”

DeBoer described Hibbett as trustworthy and a valuable member of the team.

Alabama starts its season on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium against Western Kentucky.