He was one of the most sought after running backs nationally in 2014, but Alabama fans will have to wait one more week before Bo Scarbrough is unveiled. A former five-star prospect by Rivals.com, Scarbrough was ranked at No. 12 across all positions and the No. 1 player in the state of Alabama by ESPN in 2014. He stands at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds.
He was a stud at Northridge High School (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) as a sophomore and junior. Scarbrough totaled 938 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in his sophomore year.
He relocated to Brandenton, Fla., in 2013 and played his senior season at IMG Academy. He blossomed under head coach Chris Weinke, posting 1,468 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
Scarbrough was a member of Alabama’s 2014 recruiting class, but he enrolled in 2015.
He was third in the Crimson Tide’s rotation of back, until he sustained a knee injury back in March. Scarbrough returned for fall practice on Aug, 19, but ended up being suspended for the first four games of the season (NCAA). His suspension ends as of next week.
Scarbough’s knee is healthy and he has participated in drills throughout fall camp and regular season practice. Having him back gives Alabama depth and power at running back.
Derrick Henry is the featured name, but with him, Scarbrough and true freshman Damien Harris, the Crimson Tide would have 200+ pound backs that could do some damage in the conference.
A return of Scarbrough could position senior running back Kenyan Drake at wide receiver. Drake would end up taking all of Amari Cooper’s routes in space if this should happen. He is very explosive as a back, but Drake is even more dangerous in the open field.
Rotating fresh legs in the backfield will be a plus for Alabama this season.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.