Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama #8
5100, 220, 4.50
Notes: From Tulsa, OK. He was mostly raised by his father, along with his four siblings, and spent about three months bouncing from hotel to hotel at one point. Was primarily a Wildcat quarterback during his senior year of high school. Picked Alabama over Oklahoma and Missouri coming out of high school. Played in all 15 games, splitting time with Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris at running back to replace Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry as a freshman in 2016, he rushed 85 times for 567 yards (6.7 avg.) and 4 touchdowns with a long run of 56 yards, while catching 14 passes for 156 yards (11.1 avg.). Was slowed by hamstring injury a bit coming into his sophomore campaign. Played in 12 games, rushed 46-284-1 (6.2 avg.) with long run of 45, caught 14-168-2 (12.0 avg.) and returned kickoffs 4-86 (21.5 avg.) in 2017. He played despite a broken bone in his ankle since the fifth week of the season and had surgery after the season. Played in all 15 games, rushed 120-64-11 (5.3 avg.) with long run of 59, caught 20-247-3 (12.4 avg.) and returned kickoffs 14-428 (30.6 avg.), including a 77-yard touchdown in 2018. Had just one 100-yard rushing game (16-163-1 vs. Kentucky in 2016) during his college career. Has a young son and appears very focused on his future.
Positives: Explosive athlete. Tough, physical and competitive. Exceptionally shifty and quick. Makes some ankle-breaking cuts. Excellent patience, vision and natural run instincts. Very difficult to corral in space. Good burst, acceleration and speed. A threat to make a big play every time he touches the ball. Runs with power, speed, authority and a chip-on-his-shoulder determination. Runs angry and can churn out tough yards. Will initiate contact, break tackles and drag defenders for extra yards. Knows when to shake-and-bake and when to simply put his shoulder down. Adjusts to and catches the ball extremely well. Can get downfield as a receiver. Physical, aggressive lead blocker. Can pick up the blitz. Does the little things well and shows maximum effort even when he does not have the ball. Team player who embraces his role and plays hard at all times. Can stay on the field for all three downs. Big play threat on kickoff returns. Young, has not taken a long-term pounding yet, and should have plenty of tread left on his tires. Solid, well-grounded, smart, mature young man.
Negatives: Lacks prototype height and outstanding size. Modest durability concerns.
Summary: Highly versatile, complete, all-purpose back with excellent pro potential for a long, highly productive career in the NFL.
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