TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Alabama’s 11th A-Day game under head coach Nick Saban could present fans with nasty weather and a different look at the running back position. According to the Crimson Tide’s head football coach, sophomores Bo Scarbrough (leg) and B.J. Emmons (foot) along with junior rusher Damien Harris (foot) will not play on Saturday. Both Scarbrough and Emmons sustained injuries during the 2016 season, and despite working through individual and team drills all spring, Saban is choosing to be cautious with them.
With all three guys banged up, sophomore Josh Jacobs emerges to anchor the unit.
Joining him are freshmen backs Najee Harris and Brian Robinson.
A unanimous five-star prospect from Antioch, Calif., Harris was pegged as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2017 cycle via Rivals, Scout and PrepStar recruiting networks. He ended his high school career with 7,948 rushing yards, the fourth-most in California high school football history.
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 227 pounds, Harris is a freak of nature.
A Tuscaloosa native and unanimous four-star athlete, Robinson will have an opportunity to show fans what homegrown talent can really do. The 6-foot-1, 218-pounder has put in a strong effort this spring, especially during the second scrimmage. Per sources, he ripped off a couple of big runs and kept his pad level low.
Robinson carried Hillcrest High School to the Class 6A semifinals in 2015 and 2016, while totaling 990 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior. Tide fans tend to enjoy looking at the future and this weekend, it along with future recruits, former players and the coaching staff will witness two talented backs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
