If nothing else, Alabama has been a running back factory under Nick Saban. It’s actually kind of ridiculous to stop and think about the level of talent that has come out of the Crimson Tide backfield over the last decade – Mark Ingram, Derrick Henry, Eddie Lacy, Trent Richardson, etc. etc.
Last year wasn’t much different. Even with the departure of the Heisman-winning Henry, Damien Harris, Bo Scarbrough, Joshua Jacobs, and even quarterback Jalen Hurts pitched in to produce the nation’s most imposing ground game. Now, Pro Football Focus has released a stat that may indicate an expanded role for one of these backs.
Courtesy of Saturday Down South:
The Crimson Tide return many of their top rushers, including running backs Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough as well as QB Jalen Hurts. UA also adds an impressive freshman class headlined by RB Najee Harris, a former 5-star prospect.
There’s a case to be made, however, that more carries should go to the ball-carrier who hasn’t yet been mentioned, RB Josh Jacobs.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jacobs is the most elusive returning running back in the country.
PFF has been high on Jacobs in the past, pointing to him as the potential key to the Crimson Tide’s championship hopes last season. While Jacobs ability to avoid being tackled is impressive, his average yards per carry (6.57) was behind Harris (7.10). Jacobs, however, may just need more carries. At only 85 rushes, he was well behind Hurts (191), Harris (146) and Scarbrough (125).
You can never assume that the decision-makers in-house see eye to eye with Pro Football Focus. They do great work, but ultimately, let’s be honest. No one’s going to walk up to Nick Saban and say, “ay, Coach! PFF says Jacobs is the most elusive back in college football. Maybe we should give him more snaps?”
Then again, Saban has proven his adaptability….maybe he’d take this information and say, “you know what….maybe I’ll give this a longer look.”
Just can’t really tell. Mainly because I’m a comedy blogger in Nashville, and definitely NOT in Saban’s inner circle.
Still, just look at the eye test. Jacobs made plays last season. And, he only had double digit carries three times in 2016 – against Kent State, Kentucky, and Texas A&M. He took 16 handoffs vs. the Wildcats and amassed 100 yards and a touchdown. So, why not see what else he can do?
Considering that Jacobs is elusive, he’s a weapon receiving the ball, and Scarbrough didn’t come out steamrolling people the way we thought he would, maybe it’s time for him to get an expanded role in the Alabama offense.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo
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