Before starring for the Las Vegas Raiders, Josh Jacobs’ gritty rise to first-round NFL draft pick started in Tuscaloosa, playing for head coach Nick Saban from 2016 to 2018. His journey from being a lightly recruited prospect to becoming one of the most dynamic and versatile players in a backfield full of stars is a testament to his perseverance, talent, and adaptability.
Josh Jacobs’ Gritty Collegiate Rise Started in Tulsa
Jacobs’ path to Alabama was anything but typical for a player who would go on to become a first-round NFL Draft pick.
Coming out of McLain High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jacobs wasn’t a highly sought-after recruit, largely flying under the radar of major college football programs. Despite his talent, Jacobs was rated as a three-star prospect, partly due to playing for a smaller high school and not having as much exposure as other elite running backs.
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However, his senior year in high school turned heads, as he racked up over 2,700 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, showcasing his speed, elusiveness, and ability to break tackles.
Alabama, known for consistently attracting the nation’s top recruits, saw the potential in Jacobs and extended him an offer. He committed to the Crimson Tide in 2016, and although he wasn’t expected to make an immediate impact, he quickly proved to be a valuable asset in a loaded Alabama backfield.
As a freshman, Jacobs competed for playing time with a deep group of running backs, including established stars Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough. Despite being the lesser-known player in the group, Jacobs made the most of his opportunities.
In 2016, he played 14 games, finishing the season with 564 yards on 85 carries, an impressive 6.6 yards per carry, and four touchdowns.
Jacobs’ first season gave a glimpse of his versatility and toughness. He showed his willingness to see the field by playing special teams snaps and being a vital contributor out of the backfield in the passing game.
His ability to make plays in various roles earned him a reputation as a multi-dimensional threat, even in limited action. Although Alabama fell short of winning the national title that season, Jacobs’ freshman year was an encouraging start to his college career.
Jacobs entered his sophomore season with higher expectations, but the year would be challenging due to injuries. He dealt with a hamstring issue early in the season and later played through a broken ankle. Despite these setbacks, Jacobs remained a productive player for Alabama’s offense, contributing both as a rusher and receiver.
He rushed for 284 yards on 46 carries, averaging 6.2 yards per attempt while hauling in 14 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns, further demonstrating his value as a dual-threat back despite the injury setbacks.
One of the highlights of his sophomore season came in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, where Alabama faced Georgia. Jacobs played a pivotal role in helping the Crimson Tide secure a dramatic 26-23 overtime victory.
This return to the field certainly showcased his gritty rise and team-first mentality.
Jacobs’ Grit Pays Off With 2018 Breakout Season
His junior season in 2018 was his breakout year and catapulted him into national prominence. Fully healthy and with a more featured role in Alabama’s offense, Jacobs thrived as both a runner and a receiver.
He finished the season with 640 rushing yards on 120 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scored 11 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 20 passes for 247 yards and three receiving touchdowns.
Jacobs’ ability to make plays in the open field, combined with his powerful running style, made him one of the most dangerous weapons in Alabama’s offense. His performance in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia was a defining moment of his career and eventual draft stock.
He rushed for 83 yards and two touchdowns in Alabama’s 35-28 victory, earning MVP honors for the game. Jacobs would declare for the draft following Alabama’s playoff exit just a few weeks later.
His college career at Alabama wasn’t defined by gaudy statistics but rather by his versatility, toughness, and playmaking ability in key moments. His ability to impact the game as both a runner and receiver, along with his contributions on special teams, made him one of the most well-rounded backs to come out of Alabama under Saban.
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Jacobs was selected by the Raiders with the 24th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and his success in the NFL has continued, cementing his legacy as one of the most complete backs to emerge from Alabama’s loaded backfield during the Saban era.
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